Bob Marshall-Andrews looks at the sombre events of the last thirteen years including wars in Kosovo and Iraq, sustained assaults on ancient English liberties, and the worst scandal of recent political history. He reveals the stories that lie behind them and the Westminster dramas of intrigue, triumph and disaster. He describes the delights and trials of his work as constituency MP and examines his own and others' motives for entering politics: should the ambition, he asks, be to achieve power or to control it. Bob Marshall-Andrews breathes new life into the old values of libertarian socialism. Off Message is as provocative and entertaining as its author's campaigns and interventions.
Off Message
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`Full of wit, warmth, wisdom - and wine.' --Ian Hislop
`One of the most entertaining, irreverent, and magnificently self-indulgent political memoirs to emerge from the New Labour era' --Chris Mullin, Times
'passionate, whimsical and highly entertaining' --John Kampfner, Observer
'Impassioned and witty ... fiery in all the right places' --Daily Express
`One of the most entertaining, irreverent, and magnificently self-indulgent political memoirs to emerge from the New Labour era' --Chris Mullin, Times
'passionate, whimsical and highly entertaining' --John Kampfner, Observer
'Impassioned and witty ... fiery in all the right places' --Daily Express
Book Description
Tony Blair's least favourite colleague casts a mordant eye on whips and rebels, wars and liberties, spin and patronage, and expenses and legacies - and at the same time delivers a passionate message about parliament's enduring value. This subversive and richly comical account of British political life during New Labour's term in office presents an intimate picture of what it was like to be its most prominent dissident member.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
The trials and tribulations of being an MP are well explained. The tyranny of the Whips Office, the power of the Executive, and the whole Messianic delusion, and economy with truth, that took the country to War three times under Blair, are recounted. The repercussion of restriction on civil liberty, and the struggle of MPs to oppose the draconian legislation intended to safeguard us against ill defined enemies makes the book well worth reading. Bob Marshall-Andrews witty style made reading the book a pleasure.
16 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By enigma
Format:Hardcover
I was at first suspicious of T Blair, but that turned very quickly to a hatred. There were so many pointers, that I despaired that the rest of the electorate refused to see, that he was elected a second time filled me with despair, The third time, was beyond belief, and I seriously considered emigration. So hearing of Bob's book, I was drawn immediately to reading it.
To have what in effect were strong suspicions confirmed by an insider, reinforced my faith in my own sanity, and has made me ponder further the nature of the electorate [but that's another issue].
The book is both light and easy to read, yet probing, in a way that most [ex]politicians only attempt in order to advance their own reputations. A tragic indictment of our political system, but very particularly of the Blair years.
A must read for anyone who like me was suspicious of that administration. But an essential read for those who supported it!!
To have what in effect were strong suspicions confirmed by an insider, reinforced my faith in my own sanity, and has made me ponder further the nature of the electorate [but that's another issue].
The book is both light and easy to read, yet probing, in a way that most [ex]politicians only attempt in order to advance their own reputations. A tragic indictment of our political system, but very particularly of the Blair years.
A must read for anyone who like me was suspicious of that administration. But an essential read for those who supported it!!
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition
An interesting book, but Marshall-Andrews comes across as somewhat smug and insufferably pleased with himself. He quotes himself on numerous occasions and I couldnt help but think of the fictional Alan Patridge book of anecdotes where Alan always ends each story be saying that he came off best.
He is very perceptive of Blair's messianic tendency but at the same time seems somewhat blind to Brown's many faults, and too much time is spent congratulating himself on many convivial lunches and fine wine consumption sessions with his friends in London's media and legal glitterati.
Still a modern political autobiography that doesnt overstay its welcome is rare and the chapters are generally short and to the point - the ones on the threat to trial by jury being the best.
He is very perceptive of Blair's messianic tendency but at the same time seems somewhat blind to Brown's many faults, and too much time is spent congratulating himself on many convivial lunches and fine wine consumption sessions with his friends in London's media and legal glitterati.
Still a modern political autobiography that doesnt overstay its welcome is rare and the chapters are generally short and to the point - the ones on the threat to trial by jury being the best.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amusing and insightful
Full of amusing anecdotes that make you laugh out loud, it also provides an interesting insight into the way New Labour operated.
Published 16 days ago by D B Kerrigan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Read
A highly amusing and entertaining book, which lifts the lid of the Blair style of government. It is written without malice, but his stories and anecdotes had me chuckling... Read more
Published 3 months ago by GC McAULIFFE
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great read.
A great insight into what happens in government concerning the big issues of our day and how sometimes seemingly inconsequential occurrances can have huge results. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mr JAF Galbraith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Illuminating
This is a personal memoir of experiences in parliament as a back-bencher during the Blair years. It is most illuminating - and entertaining.
Published 5 months ago by P. H. Thonemann
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Freedom Fighter's Tale
I am interested in politics but am somewhat to the right of Mr Marshall-Andrews and thought I might find myself disagreeing with him on most topics. Wrong! Read more
Published 8 months ago by Eternita
5.0 out of 5 stars
A serial rebel-but an entertaining one
I thought I'd enjoy this book, as I'd seen/heard him on news quizzes such as HIGNFY & it did not disappoint at all. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Hugh E.Oxburgh
5.0 out of 5 stars
Should be required reading for all.
What is quite amazing is that millions of pounds continue to be poured into Iraq war inquiries while a QC, in the space of little more than a single chapter of this remarkable... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Apoptoastie
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not as entertaining as his media appearances.
I enjoyed Bob's appearances on Have I Got News, as well as his entertaining contributions to Today and PM on Radio 4. Read more
Published 13 months ago by A reader
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely Fascinating
As an adult barely three years younger than BMA, with a decent education, a career encompassing City and the arts and brought up in a committed Socialist family I thought I... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Cm Dfms Brown
4.0 out of 5 stars
Off Message, On Target
It is easy to weigh the good or ill done by governments, the fun lies in reviewing what they might have done. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Leslie Earle
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