The publicity for this political diary of the Tory Chief Whip focussed on the more salacious incidents that Simon Hart came across. So I felt a little dirty when buying this book, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint if you are looking for evidence of how bizarre and degraded some of our political class have become; however, it does also give an amazing insight into the machinations of modern British politics.
The book begins with the exit poll for the 2019 election, and we follow Hart’s experience as a minister in the chaotic government of Johnson. His dry tone is perfect for a political diarist and his wry observations about policy, colleagues, opposition, and the party leaders make for an entertaining ride. He is quietly scathing of Johnson’s suitability to have been anywhere near Downing Street.
The pace and depravity kicks up a level when Sunak makes him Chief Whip; that is, the person responsible for both party discipline and picking up the pieces of any political and personal disasters that befall his MPs. The job seems to be impossible at the best of times, and these were most certainly not that. The Tory government was slowly collapsing, the public utterly fed up no matter what they said or did. And the constant stream of misdemeanors is astounding; in fact I’ll correct that, it is largely a series of very serious criminal complaints.
Hart portrays a fairly big picture view of his fellow politicians and events, and so appears wise yet humble. But how much this is true to his diary contemporaneously and what has seen some subtle editing with hindsight would be fascinating.
In the round, another valuable insight into the horror show that is Westminster.
