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Politics on the Edge

A Memoir from Within

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Politics on the Edge

By: Rory Stewart
Narrated by: Rory Stewart
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About this listen

The searing inside story of our broken politics from the former Cabinet minister and co-host of The Rest Is Politics.

Over the course of a decade, Rory Stewart went from being a political outsider to standing for prime minister – before being sacked from a Conservative Party that he had come to barely recognise.

Uncompromising, honest and darkly humorous, this is his story of the challenges, absurdities and realities of political life. Instantly praised as a new classic, it is an astonishing portrait of our turbulent times.

BRITISH BOOK AWARDS NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024

‘Rory Stewart’s Politics on the Edge digs deeper than most. As well as a fascinating insider account of the Cameron-May-Johnson premierships, it is a scathing portrait of our flawed political system and a “rebarbative profession” that, despite Stewart’s appetite for public service, chewed him up and spat him out’ GUARDIAN

‘Genuinely eye-opening…always riveting, often horrifying’
iNEWS

‘Hugely entertaining’
EVENING STANDARD

‘The most exceptional political memoir I’ve ever read’
ALAN JOHNSON

‘An instant classic’
MARINA HYDE

‘At last a politician who can write’
SEBASTIAN FAULKS

* A BOOK OF THE YEAR FOR THE FT, GUARDIAN, SUNDAY TIMES, TELEGRAPH, TIMES, OBSERVER, i NEWSPAPER, NEW STATESMAN, PROSPECT, CHURCH TIMES AND SCOTSMAN *

©2023 Rory Stewart (P)2023 Penguin Audio
Elections & Political Process Europe Great Britain Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government World Liberalism Thought-Provoking Witty Inspiring Memoir Socialism
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There are so many interesting facets to this book, not least the ethical shortcomings of a number of prominent politicians. But Rory’s detailing of the ‘brilliance’ of the uk political system is something to behold.

Brilliance of the uk political system

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An insightful tale of idealism, integrity and pragmatism failing in the face of party machinations and the pull of populist candidates

Rory reflects on realities behind political populism

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A memoir of ideas and inspiration from a unique character whose story is enriched by it being told to us with his own voice.

Outstanding

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The frustrations illustrated by practical experience of dealing with the public service. “Yes Minister” without the laughs.

The real inside story of why democracy is failing.

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Rory Stewart’s insider account of the shallowness of modern British politics is brilliant. The decline of the Conservative Party.

Incredibly honest account of the decline of British politics

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I really enjoyed this insight into a fascinating and turbulent period of British politics. As neither English nor a Conservative I still gained a great deal from it. read brilliantly, well done to the author.

Great insight, great read

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Rory writes with great honesty on his naïveté and self belief which ultimately is in the zone of delusion. His colleagues can see clearly his failings but what’s refreshing about Rory is he doesn’t. He presses on in vanity. It’s a great tale about how candour and integrity are a negative in politics.

From naïveté to experience

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Rory Stewart is the rarest of creatures: an evidence-based conservative adrift in a sea of charlatans

Grim and essential reading

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The only politician’s memoir that I could read to the end. Fascinating. Rory is probably the PM Britain should have had instead of the populist failure Boris. How much better off people could be now.

Success and yet disappointments

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How different would Britain be if Rory had become PN? A great read. Recommend for anyone interested in the absurdity of politics.

Great read

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