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The Prime Ministers

Reflections on Leadership from Wilson to May

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The Prime Ministers

By: Steve Richards
Narrated by: Steve Richards
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About this listen

A landmark history of the men and women who have defined the UK's role in the modern world - and what makes them special - by a seasoned political journalist.

At a time of unprecedented political upheaval, this magisterial history explains who leads us and why. From Harold Wilson to Theresa May, it brilliantly brings to life all nine inhabitants of 10 Downing Street over the past 50 years, vividly outlining their successes and failures - and what made each of them special. Based on unprecedented access and in-depth interviews, and inspired by the author's BBC Radio 4 and television series, Steve Richards expertly examines the men and women who have defined the UK's role in the modern world and sheds new light on the demands of the highest public office in the land.

©2019 Steve Richards (P)2019 Audible, Ltd Europe Great Britain Leadership Management & Leadership Political Science Politics & Government World Business Thought-Provoking United Kingdom Socialism
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This is a fascinating listen. The book is from the left but don't let that put you off. The analysis is sharp and well delivered and gives a by and large fair assessment of the leaders. I fundamentally disagree with only one assessment (Heath) but disagreeing does not mean that it's a bad listen.
If you have even a passing interest in British PM's or leadership in general, this is an invaluable starting point.
I would only have two criticisms. Mr Richards insistence on "doing the voices" gets very tedious very quickly and not every downfall of incident is "Shakespearean.
But these are minor points in a fascinating book.

Excellent if a little "written from the left".

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A very good assessment of each PM from Wilson to May, written and narrated by a man who knows his onions. Very enjoyable and informative, without slipping into tired or clichéd judgements that too many commentators fall foul of. Recommended.

Excellent Shakespearean appraisal of modern PMs

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I enjoyed this audiobook very much and would reccommend it to anyone with an interest in the men and women who have served as PM in the modern era. The author has had dealings with more than a few of the individuals in this book and yet you are not treated to either excessive praise or condemnation. This is a work based on fair minded and honest observations as best as I can tell.

I feel I have gained a better insight into how political culture of our country is shaped and how a certain approach to leadership may succeed or fail. Fascinating to learn how a particular skill set or style can make and then undo a politicians time in Downing Street

An enlightening and insightful audiook

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Enlightening to the whys and wherefores of the reasons for success and failure describing in detail all the human weaknesses and strengths.

Well researched

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'People see what they choose to see ' seems to be a mantra for Steve Richards in reviewing the premiership of UK prime ministers from Harold Wilson, 1964, to Theresa May, 2019.

Excellent essay on these guys, each chapter reviewing their period in office and showing their skills at being leaders, managers, political teachers. 10/10

Scoring: 0 bad; 1-3 poor; 4-6 average; 7-9 good; 10 excellent.

the prime ministers

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