The Rebels: How Blair Mislaid His Majority

by Philip Cowley

Which anti-war MP told the Prime Minister to 'fuck off' when Blair asked him to vote with the government on Iraq? Why did former cabinet minister Nick Brown suddenly change his mind about tuition fees? What is the truth behind allegations of bribery and intimidation? Find out the answers to these questions and many more in Philip Cowley's new, in depth account of the battle between whips and rebels in Blair's first two terms. Britain' foremost expert on parliamentary rebellions, Cowley tells the inside story of the revolts on tuition fees, foundation hospitals and the Iraq war, and investigates when and how the whips intervene to keep MPs on message. Compiled from extensive research and interviews with rebels and whips alike, and published just before the 2005 general election, The Rebels looks set to be the most revealing political book of 2005.

317 pages, Hardcover

First published October 24, 2005