The Best of Enemies: Diaries 1980-1997: At the heart of power with two Prime Ministers

The Best of Enemies is a collection of political diaries by Norman Fowler, covering the Thatcher/Major period and providing insights into the Conservative Party's struggles during industrial strife, waning authority, and a Labour Party looking like a government in waiting.

Format: Hardback
Length: 592 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2023
Publisher: Biteback Publishing

The Best of Enemies is a captivating political memoir that delves into the personal diaries of one of the most influential politicians of the late twentieth century. Spanning the Thatcher/Major era, during which Norman Fowler held prominent positions in the Cabinet and as party chairman, Fowler's diaries offer a unique and intimate perspective on both Prime Ministers and their Cabinet colleagues. Drawing upon his training as a journalist, Fowler's diaries are packed with insightful anecdotes and observations that resonate deeply with the current situation faced by the Conservative Party, grappling with issues such as industrial strife, waning authority, and a Labour Party that appears poised to form a government.

Through his entries, Fowler raises a range of unresolved issues that continue to captivate readers. These topics span from the impact of a minister's private sexual conduct on their career to the question of whether a hands-off approach to industrial strategy is in the best interests of the nation. Norman Fowler's diaries provide a front-row seat to the struggles and upheaval of their time. Rather than being the memoirs of an ex-minister seeking to justify their own record, these diaries are a poignant account of how two Prime Ministers rose to power and ultimately led their party to split apart. Fowler's firsthand experiences and observations shed light on the complex dynamics and political machinations that shaped the era, offering a valuable insight into the events that shaped the political landscape of the late 20th century.

ISBN-13: 9781785908156