Decline & Fall

Reviews / Votes

Every once in a while, political diaries emerge that are so irreverent and insightful that they are destined to be handed out as leaving presents in offices across Whitehall for years to come.A View from the Foothills is one such book -- David Cameron * Observer Books of the Year * At a time when we awash with memoirs of political grandees, the worms-eye view is even more valuable * New Statesman * The most enjoyable and stimulating of all the political diaries I have read. * Jonathan Dimbleby * Droll and with a sardonic wit, Chris Mullin, unlike so many other politicians, does not even spare himself * Scotland on Sunday Books of the year * Captures better than anyone the humdrum everyday existence of the backbench MP; the often frustrating, sometimes inspiring but always time-consuming work on behalf of constitutents, the long train journeys, the routine business of parliament, the nervy election campaigns.... always warm and humane... the best account yet of the death agonies of New Labour * Tribune * There has been an abundance of political chronicles over the past year. Tony Blair, Alastair Campbell and Peter Mandelson have all fought for honours but their efforts come second best to the wonderful Chris Mullin: Decline And Fall (Profile Books GBP20).
While the other contenders for political book of the year may lay claim to the high ground they have none of the insight or humour that Mullin brings to his work. Mullin was an MP for 23 years and a minister before standing down at the last election. Decline and Fall is a political diary beginning in 2005 and finishing this year. You will learn more about life inside the New Labour government from Mullin than any of the others. -- Graham Ball * Sunday Express * A treat: well written, witty and observant, a fascinating chance to live again the agonies and the ecstasies of New Labour's slide from glossy fatuousness to a seriousness so heavy it positively crushed the life out of all but Chris. In the deluge of diaries we've had over the years - Crossman, Castle, Benn et al - this one will live because, unlike them, it's fun -- Austin Mitchell * The House * Always warm and humane, never sensationalist or self-serving - this is the best account yet of the death agonies of New Labour. I can't wait for the next volume -- PAul Anderson * Tribune *