Cameron at 10

The Inside Story 2010–2015

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Cameron at 10

By: Anthony Seldon, Peter Snowdon

Narrated by: Dugald Bruce Lockhart

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About this listen

Five years in the making, ‘Cameron at 10’ is the gripping inside story of the Cameron premiership, based on over 300 in-depth interviews with senior figures in 10 Downing Street, including the Prime Minister himself.

As dusk descended on 11 May 2010, David Cameron entered 10 Downing Street as the youngest prime minister since Lord Liverpool in 1812. He stood at the head of the first Coalition government in 65 years, with the country in dire economic straits following a deep financial crisis.

From the early heady days of the Rose Garden partnership with the Liberal Democrats to the most bitterly contested general election in years, ‘Cameron at 10’ highlights forty dramatic moments in an exceptionally turbulent period in British politics. The book contains all the highs and lows on the domestic front as well as providing revealing insights into the Prime Minister’s relationships with foreign leaders, particularly the German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Barack Obama.

With unprecedented access to the ‘inner circle’ of politicians and civil servants that surround the Prime Minister, from Chancellor George Osborne and former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to all of Cameron’s personal team, this is the most intimate account of a serving prime minister that has ever been published.

Anthony SeldonPeter SnowdonDugald Bruce LockhartWilliam Collins

Europe

Great Britain

Politicians

Politics & Activism

Politics & Government

Presidents & Heads of State

Democrat

Socialism

Taxation

Liberalism

Europe Great Britain Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government Presidents & Heads of State Democrat Socialism Taxation Liberalism

Critic reviews

Praise for ‘Cameron at 10’

‘Explosive… authoritative yet uncompromisingly tough… a gripping and at times astonishing account of the people who rule us’ Mail on Sunday

‘These pages are a masterclass in so-called “tick-tock” narrative – a minute-by-minute account, studded with detailed recollections and observations… A formidable achievement…Magisterial… If I were Mr Corbyn, I’d get busy reading’ Matthew D’Ancona, Evening Standard

‘While Lord Ashcroft may have started a brief craze for pig jokes…The more interesting (and damaging) disclosures come in the other new book about him, Cameron at 10 by Anthony Seldon and Peter Snowdon’ Fraser Nelson, Telegraph

‘Rigorously researched, giving an insight into the inner workings of Cameron’s No 10 and the coalition that we have not seen before… While Ashcroft and Oakeshott’s Call me Dave should by no means be dismissed, ultimately the offering from Seldon and Snowdon feels a far more substantial look at an intriguing political leader’ Independent on Sunday

‘An immensely thorough work… it contains a more damaging passage than any in their rival's unauthorised work' Dominic Lawson, Sunday Times

‘A substantial piece of work – a blow-by-blow account, impeccably researched and carefully documented, of the highs and lows of the first Cameron administration. The authors appear to have enjoyed almost total access. Their judgements are on the whole balanced and the narrative compelling’ Chris Mullin, Observer

'A monumental first draft of history' John Rentoul, Independent

‘Where Seldon excels is in his understanding of political relationships. Seldon and Snowdon are adept at convincing friends and colleagues to talk candidly’ The Times

‘Seldon and Snowdon are particularly strong on foreign policy… Cameron at 10 is an invaluable resource’ Daily Telegraph

‘Measured and thoughtful… Cameron at 10 is a fascinating book’ James Bloodworth, Daily Beast

Most relevant

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The decision to group chapters thematically, rather than sticking to a strictly chronological structure, really worked in its favour. It allowed for a clearer focus on the major issues and challenges of Cameron's time in office. Combined with the use of the present tense throughout, the narrative had an immediacy that made it feel as though I was experiencing events as they unfolded. That stylistic choice gave the book a momentum and vividness that made it both accessible and engaging.

However, whilst this may partly be down to the fact that Seldon and Snowdon appear to rate Cameron’s premiership more highly, I felt it lacked the evaluative punch and sharp critical insights that Johnson at 10 delivered. The analysis often felt more reserved, perhaps constrained by proximity or a desire to present a more balanced picture. As a result, its ultimate verdict felt slightly muted, not as forceful or well-developed as it could have been. The conclusion, in particular, didn’t feel as though it had been adequately foreshadowed or built towards throughout the book. Whilst offering a clear verdict, I felt it lacked the critical throughline and build-up found in Johnson at 10.

Still, as a political biography, it’s a rich and valuable account, especially for those interested in the workings of government during a politically complex and transitional period.