The Prime Ministers

The ultimate guide to every Prime Minister there's ever been: 55 profiles by 55 different politicians, journalists and academics compiled by leading political commentator Iain Dale

Winner of the 2020 Parliamentary Awards for Best Political Book by a Non-Parliamentarian

A Times Political Book of the Year 2020

*Featuring a foreword by Boris Johnson*

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It has almost been 300 years since Sir Robert Walpole arguably became the first holder of the office of Prime Minister in 1721 - an office which today is under scrutiny like never before. The Prime Ministers, edited by leading political commentator Iain Dale, brings to life all 55 of Britain's 'First Among Equals' with an essay for each office holder, written by key figures in British politics. From the obscure 18th-century figures like the Earl of Shelburne to 20th-century titans like Churchill and Thatcher, this book provides a much-needed reminder about their motivations, failures and achievements.

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PRAISE FOR THE PRIME MINISTERS:

'An entertaining, thorough and informative canter through the characters and stories of prime ministers past.' - New Statesman

'A wealth of enjoyable insights into three centuries of Westminster politics . . . It is a most elegant hardback volume, with a gilded cover that looks a little like the famous front door of No. 10 itself.' - Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman

'This is a timely study of UK Prime Ministers and Iain Dale has done the subject a great service with this measured and thoughtful labour of love which offers a fascinating set of insights into the history of Britain, politics, the role of Prime Minister, and elite and establishment power... a superb guide to the times we have lived through and are living in.' - Gerry Hassan, Scottish Review