Unmasking Our Leaders

Michael Cockerell has spent his career stripping off the gloss of our political leaders and revealing what they are really like behind the mask. He has filmed all past ten Prime Ministers and has gained unrivalled access to the secret chambers of Westminster and Whitehall. He reveals how he manages to lull some of the most wary people in the land into candour and how questions of sex are never far from the surface in Westminster.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2021
Publisher: Biteback Publishing

Our political leaders dedicate their careers to crafting and enhancing their public images, while Michael Cockerell has devoted his professional life to stripping away the superficiality. Spanning over fifty years, he has gained unparalleled access to the hidden chambers of Westminster and Whitehall. In this captivating and often humorous book, Cockerell unveils the true personalities of our top politicians, revealing what they are like behind the façade. Drawing on his unique experience of filming all past ten Prime Ministers, Cockerell showcases his ability to elicit candid conversations from even the most guarded individuals. He delves into the realm of politics, exploring how questions of sex and sexuality always find their way to the forefront in Westminster. Amongst many other anecdotes, Cockerell shares how Margaret Thatcher playfully flirted with him on screen but later attacked him by name in the Commons. He reveals how Tony Blair expressed his willingness to pay a "blood price" in Iraq, how David Cameron learned the importance of delivering grand speeches on a full bladder from Enoch Powell, and how Boris Johnson openly expressed doubts about his suitability for the role of Prime Minister.

Unmasking Our Leaders not only sheds light on the private lives of our leaders but also provides a fascinating insight into the world of political television and foreign reporting. Cockerell candidly shares the tensions, rivalries, and life-threatening dangers that are inherent in this field. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and rewards of working in this dynamic environment, where journalists must navigate complex relationships and stay vigilant amidst political instability.

In conclusion, Unmasking Our Leaders is a must-read for anyone interested in politics, journalism, or simply wanting to gain a deeper understanding of the individuals who shape our world. Cockerell's unparalleled access and insightful storytelling make this book a captivating and revealing journey into the inner workings of our political establishment.

Weight: 612g
Dimension: 240 x 162 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785906855