Didn't You Use to Be Chris Mullin?: Diaries 2010–2022

Chris Mullin Diaries #4

by Chris Mullin

"He will join Alan Clark in the pantheon of truly great diarists" – Matthew d'Ancona, Evening Standard *** 'The Queen was at the next table. I caught her staring at me during the national anthem and half-wondered whether someone had pointed me out as the author of that incident which the Mail on Sunday had splashed all over the front page of its review section, about which she would not have been too pleased.' No longer in the tent, but not quite out of it, celebrated diarist Chris Mullin gives his take on the twelve turbulent years since he left Parliament. With his trademark wit and keen eye for the absurd, he recounts events from the fall of New Labour to the death of the Queen. Rich in anecdote, this candid new volume includes encounters with movers and shakers from all political parties and with citizens from all walks of life, from dustmen to dukes. "One of Mullin's charms is his readiness to like people who don't echo his politics." – Jenni Russell, Sunday Times ]]>

Genres: Biography

768 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2023

About the author

Chris Mullin is the former MP for Sunderland South, a journalist and author. His books include the first volume of his acclaimed diaries, A View From the Foothills. He also wrote the thriller, A Very British Coup, with the television version winning BAFTA and Emmy awards. He was a minister in three departments, Environment, Transport and Regions, International Development and The Foreign Office.

Reviews

[Michael Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ever-reliable Mr Mullin has become more like a friend and companion than a diarist. Having read three previous volumes of his diaries, this one is rather gentler and from the perspective of an onlooker instead of a participant, but all the more enjoyable for his dry observations.

There are not many people who merit the title of a good man nowadays, but few more deserving.

Thoroughly recommended. Read all his diaries. Spread the word.

[Bill Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading political diaries which started when I read Robin Cook's Point of Departure. It was an easy move to Tony Benn and then Chris Mullin. Mullin's are by far the easiest to read and the most entertaining. The first three volumes were particularly interesting, especially once he became a minister. This, probably final, volume doesn't have that resonance but it is nonetheless entertaining and an easy and rapid read, despite the page count. A mix of Gardener's World - life in his new walled garden; the volunteer on lottery boards or attending literature festival events and book signings; and then the commentary on the events of the last 12 years. I was surprised by some of his opinions, which were probably fair, whereas my had a bias against the UK government since 2010, but, really, you attack over whatever resonates, even if it isn't fair. It was fascinating to be reminded of the crazy world we have gone through in this time - and he stopped at Liz Truss's election before it got really crazy!

[Paul Renwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris Mullin truly is the master of the political diary. When I heard that he had published an unexpected fourth volume of his diaries, I jumped with joy.

The diary begins in 2010 not long after Chris ceases to be an MP and concludes with the Queen’s death in 2022. What struck me reading the diaries was just how much time had passed between important events. For example, as I write this it is nearly 9 years since Brexit - an event Chris describes in great detail in the diary. Even Covid is nearly 5 years ago.

Chris gets the balance right between political musings and insight into his personal life - progress with his garden is a much commented feature in the diaries.

The diaries help chronicle an extraordinary life. Chris has succeeded in several careers - campaigning journalist, best selling author, MP, minister and political diarist. He truly is an inspiration to me as someone who has made a difference in the world.

[ROB BOWMAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all Chris's diaries and they are excellent giving plain english insight into the important issues of the day such as how Brexit happened, what goes on behind the scenes at Westminster, plus how to get the most out of life when your primary career comes to an end. There is also a light touch of humour and realism from his everyday life. Highly recommended.