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The Prime Ministers

Reflections on Leadership from Wilson to May

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The Prime Ministers

By: Steve Richards
Narrated by: Steve Richards
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About this listen

A landmark history of the men and women who have defined the UK's role in the modern world - and what makes them special - by a seasoned political journalist.

At a time of unprecedented political upheaval, this magisterial history explains who leads us and why. From Harold Wilson to Theresa May, it brilliantly brings to life all nine inhabitants of 10 Downing Street over the past 50 years, vividly outlining their successes and failures - and what made each of them special. Based on unprecedented access and in-depth interviews, and inspired by the author's BBC Radio 4 and television series, Steve Richards expertly examines the men and women who have defined the UK's role in the modern world and sheds new light on the demands of the highest public office in the land.

©2019 Steve Richards (P)2019 Audible, Ltd Europe Great Britain Leadership Management & Leadership Political Science Politics & Government World Business Thought-Provoking

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All stars
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Very enjoyable listen, interesting throughout, and has given me pause for thought about some of those prime ministers that I’ve lived through.

Thought provoking

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Really enjoyed this, fascinating look at the characteristics and achievements of each modern prime minister

Great insight into what make PM's tick

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For anyone interested in leadership or British politics this book provides many intriguing insights and some fascinating analysis.

It may lack a sufficient line of judgment and is not a guide on how to be a PM, but it is a superb analysis on the last few PMs strengths and weaknesses

Intriguing analysis - worth a listen

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If anything, this audio is even better than the companion volume – Prime Minister's we never had. What's most interesting is the way Steve Richards synthesises his stories. Seeing Kinnock (other volume) in the light of the problems dealt with by Harold Wilson, re-assesses both most favourably; especially when compared to Miliband, and Cameron (To whom he is more than fair). Tangentially it made me more sympathetic to Theresa May and the impossible task she faced.
It's good to see Harold Wilson reinstated – about time.

I recommend listening to both of Steve Richards audiobooks beside Finton O;Ioole;s Heroic Failure. They complement each other

Highly recommended.

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This is my third book I’ve listened to by Steve Richard’s (Turning Points, and Prime Ministers We Never Had, being the others). Once again Steve offers a balanced analysis to help novices like me understand our political leaders and the nuances of being a political leader. Steve is a great orator (his podcast Rock and Roll Politics and live shows around the UK are well worth checking out). He knows his stuff and offers original analysis that’s desperately needed and find thought provoking and entertaining. Thank you Steve for enriching our lives.

Incredible political analysis, delivered perfectly by the author

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This is a fascinating listen. The book is from the left but don't let that put you off. The analysis is sharp and well delivered and gives a by and large fair assessment of the leaders. I fundamentally disagree with only one assessment (Heath) but disagreeing does not mean that it's a bad listen.
If you have even a passing interest in British PM's or leadership in general, this is an invaluable starting point.
I would only have two criticisms. Mr Richards insistence on "doing the voices" gets very tedious very quickly and not every downfall of incident is "Shakespearean.
But these are minor points in a fascinating book.

Excellent if a little "written from the left".

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written and narrated with an understanding of the stresses and strains of life at the top for UK prime ministers for the past 50 years. Excellent

Empathetic

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Great listen and well read

Does bring does sideways thoughts to given facts

I’m a massive fan of Steve Richards and would recommend anyone with even the slightest interest in politics to give him a listen

Insightful and thought provoking

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worth listening to

but would not highly rate it but definitely interesting and informative to understand and how things have both remain the same and changed

worth listening to

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This is a good book delivered in a non-partisan way.

There was a really odd issue with the sound mixing that caused the reader’s voice to go up in pitch for a few chapters in the middle which was quite off-putting. Not sure if that was just me. But otherwise OK

Interesting take. Very odd issue with recording.

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