Cameron: The Rise of the New Conservative - Hardcover

Elliott, Francis; Hanning, James

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0007243669 ISBN 13: 9780007243662

Publisher: Fourth Estate, 2007

Synopsis

The first major biography of the Conservative Party’s dynamic new leader.

David ('Dave') Cameron has recently emerged as the first Tory leader in years to come across as a man of the people, an ordinary bloke in a traditionally reviled political position. But, spin-doctoring aside, not a great deal is known about his background, his family life or his gradual rise through the ranks of the Party.

The son of a prosperous and disabled stockbroker father and a magistrate mother, and a descendant of King Henry VII, Cameron excelled at Eton and was voted most likely amongst his classmates to become Prime Minister. At Oxford he 'played a lot of pool and ate a lot of kebabs', but loved politics and worked extremely hard to achieve a high first. It was clear by then that he was headed for Westminster, and indeed a former colleague at the Conservative Research Department, which Cameron joined after graduation, referred to him as 'a young man in a hurry', a reputation cemented by his rapid rise to the head of the political department and the favour of John Major.

Cameron has also worked very closely with Norman Lamont, Michael Howard, and has been an MP since 2001. In 2005 he was asked by Howard to write the Tory manifesto, widely considered the most right-wing in post-war history. Months later, at the age of 39, he secured leadership of the Party.

This biography reveals more about the man behind the spin, and the first Tory leader in years to have a chance of leading the party to victory. It explores the future direction of the Conservatives. Is the current honeymoon evidence of a new Tory Party, or simply recognition that the appearance of newness is needed? Will he really be prepared to jeopardise the support of the traditional grass roots? How deep are his environmental credentials? How will he react when the press turns nasty? Does his success mark a return of the old class deference? Or is it the opposite, a sign that background, for better or worse, is now unimportant?

About this title

Review:

'Anyone hoping to penetrate Cameron's still rather opaque political personality will want to buy this book, which in readable...form offers much ammunition to both his admirers and detractors...This book gives a clear and convincing account of how Cameron raced past far better-known and more experienced rivals to become leader of the Tory party.' Telegraph

‘Provides many insights into the privileged background and the motivations of David Cameron. The authors underline the hard ambition and calculation behind the surface charm, raising fascination questions about what Cameron might be like as Prime Minister.' Peter Riddell, The Times

'If anyone doubts Cameron's classic Tory credentials, then this highly rewarding biography lays out the story brilliantly.' Sunday Telegraph

‘Readable and well researched.’ Chris Huhne, in the Observer ‘Books of the Year’

'This essential political textbook will be required reading for every journalist covering David Cameron's every move until the general election.' Independent

'Compelling and evidently well-researched.' Evening Standard

About the Author:

Francis Elliott worked for the New Statesman before being appointed Westminster Editor for Scotland on Sunday. He later became the Sunday Telegraph's Deputy Political Editor and joined the Independent on Sunday in 2003, where he was recently made Whitehall Editor. He was shortlisted in 2005 for "What the Papers Say 'Scoop of the Year'" for his work on David Blunkett's business interests. He lives in London with his wife and two children. James Hanning initially worked freelance before joining the Daily Mail and then moving to the Londoner's Diary on the Evening Standard, where he rose to become Associate Editor with responsibility for the Comment pages. In 2004 he was appointed Executive Editor of the Independent on Sunday. He lives in London with his wife and two children.

About this edition

• Publisher: Fourth Estate
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0007243669
• ISBN 13: 9780007243662
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320