Cameron

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?

'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 'The authors are knowledgeable guides to the swamps and thickets of Tory politics since Thatcher. They explain well how Cameron's clear mind and air of calm became rapidly appreciating commodities in the panicky marketplace of Conservative Central Office in the John Major years.' The Guardian 'A useful introduction to a possible prime minister.' Tatler 'Better on Tory background through the out of office years than headline fodder!you get a lot of useful information here.' The Observer 'Compelling and evidently well-researched.' The Scotsman

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