Nick Clegg: The Biography

by Chris Bowers

In early April 2010 Nick Clegg was fighting for recognition, even as the young, fresh and personable leader of Britain's third political party. Two weeks later he was the focus of 'Cleggmania' and his popularity was compared with Churchill's. Four weeks after that he became the second most important figure in the government - but within a year he was ridiculed and reviled as popular hopes turned to disappointment. But who is Nick Clegg? What has made him the man he is today? By what route did he enjoy one of the most spectacular rises - and falls - in British politics? This fully revised and updated edition of Chris Bowers' acclaimed biography contains an analysis of the first years of coalition government, and tells us what we can expect of the Deputy Prime Minister as the next general election approaches. With a lightness of touch that captures the spirit of the unstuffy Lib Dem leader, and with the benefit of access to Clegg himself and the many people who have shaped and worked with him, Bowers presents a sensitive, critical and above all insightful portrait of one of the leading political figures of our age.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2011

Reviews

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for any politicos or Liberal Democrats out there, this book gives a fantastic insight into the life of the former Leader. It's fairly easy to read, written in a relatively chatty tone, so if this is your cup of tea, it shouldn't take much effort to get through.

[Allan Heron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in 2011 in the aftermath of the loss of the AV referendum and the disastrous local election results of that year, this is an interesting book at this distance given that most of the possible futures it outlines have turned out at the bad news end of the scale. It would be interesting to read the author's thoughts from today's perspective.

The author is good when analysing some of the reasons why things worked as they did during Clegg's career but the book is weaker for him often not taking the extra step to draw and share his own conclusions.

The book was succesful in providing me with a better knowledge of Clegg's background which does make him relatively unique in British politics. Of course, Clegg has been somewhat rehabilitated in the light of Brexit so there may be scope for an updated edition of this sonewhere along the line.