Book description
As a lynchpin of Margaret Thatcher's final Cabinet, David
Waddington was at the heart of British politics at the passing of
arguably the most defining government of the twentieth century. His
memoirs are a testament to many years of loyal service to the
Conservative Party, first as a determined constituency MP, then as a
cajoling and shrewd Chief Whip, Home Secretary during the turbulent
Strangeways prison riots, and finally as Leader of the Lords. These
memoirs describe Lord Waddington's varied life: from his adventurous
childhood in Lancashire to an eventful stint in the army, including
memorable postings to Hong Kong and Singapore, and a highly acclaimed
career as a Queen's Counsel Â- not to mention his time as Governor of
Bermuda. Decoration, renown and public praise colour Lord Waddington's
life, but it is his humility and wry Lancastrian take on the world
that impress most: a potent mix of intelligence, duty and a sense of
humour courses through every page. In his Memoirs, David Waddington
allows us to glimpse a period of huge importance in British political
history while also making clear the roots and principles that
propelled him so far.
David Waddington, Baron Waddington of Read, is a Conservative peer
and is chair of the European Reform Group
