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Nick Robinson's Election Notebook: The Inside Story of the Bare-Knuckle Fight Over Britain's Future
Just after ten o’clock on Thursday, 7 May 2015 Nick Robinson stared down the lens of camera 5 in the BBC’s Election Night Studio to explain to millions the significance of an exit poll that shocked the country and heralded an earthquake in British politics.
That moment was a personal milestone for the BBC’s Political Editor, who had been discharged from hospital just hours earlier following weeks of treatment for cancer and the loss of his voice after surgery.
In the year leading up to that night Nick kept a journal recording the events he reported on day after day to millions of viewers and listeners, and which he continued to monitor, often from his hospital bed as he fought to get fit in time for election night. This is Nick‘s behind-the-scenes account of his encounters with David Cameron, who many wrote off before the shock victory he called his 'sweetest'; Ed Miliband, who turned abuse & ridicule into respect before leading Labour to its worst defeat in a generation; Nick Clegg, who led his party into power and then to humiliation and near oblivion; Nigel Farage, who rose so fast and then fell at the final hurdle; Alex Salmond, whose public clash with Nick led to thousands protesting outside the BBC’s Scottish HQ, and Nicola Sturgeon, whose stunning success as SNP leader has put Scottish independence back on the map.
The result is an extraordinary narrative, characterized by Nick Robinson’s trademark insight, analysis and backstage gossip, of an adrenaline-fuelled year which culminated in a captivating election that transformed Britain’s political landscape.
That moment was a personal milestone for the BBC’s Political Editor, who had been discharged from hospital just hours earlier following weeks of treatment for cancer and the loss of his voice after surgery.
In the year leading up to that night Nick kept a journal recording the events he reported on day after day to millions of viewers and listeners, and which he continued to monitor, often from his hospital bed as he fought to get fit in time for election night. This is Nick‘s behind-the-scenes account of his encounters with David Cameron, who many wrote off before the shock victory he called his 'sweetest'; Ed Miliband, who turned abuse & ridicule into respect before leading Labour to its worst defeat in a generation; Nick Clegg, who led his party into power and then to humiliation and near oblivion; Nigel Farage, who rose so fast and then fell at the final hurdle; Alex Salmond, whose public clash with Nick led to thousands protesting outside the BBC’s Scottish HQ, and Nicola Sturgeon, whose stunning success as SNP leader has put Scottish independence back on the map.
The result is an extraordinary narrative, characterized by Nick Robinson’s trademark insight, analysis and backstage gossip, of an adrenaline-fuelled year which culminated in a captivating election that transformed Britain’s political landscape.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published June 11, 2015
5 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Nick Robinson
5 books6 followersNicholas Anthony "Nick" Robinson (born 5 October 1963) is a British journalist and political editor for the BBC. Starting out in broadcasting at Piccadilly Radio, after a year as President of the Conservative Party youth group, he worked his way up as a producer eventually becoming deputy editor of Panorama, before becoming a political correspondent in 1996.
He became the BBC's chief political correspondent in 1999. Between 2002 and 2005 he worked for ITV News as political editor, but then returned to the BBC assuming the same role, which he has held since.
Noted for his confrontational and provocative approach, Robinson has on several occasions caused a stir with his style of questioning, particularly of world leaders such as George W. Bush.
He became the BBC's chief political correspondent in 1999. Between 2002 and 2005 he worked for ITV News as political editor, but then returned to the BBC assuming the same role, which he has held since.
Noted for his confrontational and provocative approach, Robinson has on several occasions caused a stir with his style of questioning, particularly of world leaders such as George W. Bush.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 7, 2015
It’s not been a normal year. This was the year the tail not only wagged the dog but viciously flayed the skin off the dog’s back. I should explain that, but it would take so long.
I think Britain is now a one-party state. Previously we had the slightly left Labour Party and the fairly right Conservative Party, and they would win elections (only) when they got themselves an impressive leader. For the Tories it was Maggie, and for Labour it was Tony Blair. Both of these characters were loved and loathed and both won three elections. Both were either chucked out (Maggie, because she had clearly gone mad) or resigned because three was enough (Tony Blair).
The Tories just scraped a win at the election in May with a majority in the House of Commons of 15. The problem is that Labour looks like it will now never win another election. Why, faugh, go to, go to, pooh pooh, you may say, 15 is a wafer thin majority. Labour could surge back. Well, not if the Scottish nationalists have anything to do with it. (This is the flaying tail.)
The Nats hate Labour only slightly less than they hate the Tories. And they hate the Tories a lot. The standing joke is that there are more giant pandas in Scotland than there are Conservative MPs. So Labour used to be the monolithic party in Scotland – at the 2010 election the Scots Nats won 6 out of 59 Scottish seats to Labour’s 52 - but at the 2015 election they won 56 out of 59 seats. That’s right, Labour was nearly wiped out. It was an earthquake.
The reason for this remarkable change was the referendum on independence which is a whole long story. But basically, even though the Nats lost the referendum (only 45% of Scots voted to be independent) Scotland is now foaming at the mouth with nationalism and sees Labour as just another English party.
So without the 50-plus Scottish seats, I can’t see Labour ever forming another government. They don’t win majorities just in England, which is a pretty Conservative country really. But even if they did, they seem to have lost whatever plot they had. They don’t know what they’re for anymore. Their current leadership candidates (now poor old Ed Miliband, the man who could not eat a bacon sandwich and who looked too much like Wallace has thrown himself out of the window) are a complete shower. They utter platitudinous bleatings. They vaguely gesture. They wouldn’t inspire you to climb out of a poisoned well full of rats with long teeth.
THREE MILD POLITICAL ANECDOTES
1) Charles Kennedy, one-time leader of the Liberal Democrats, a minor party, is visiting a hospital with a camera crew. Chats to a patient and asks if he intends to vote in the upcoming election.
“Oh yes, I’m voting Liberal democrat,” says the guy.
Charlie beams. He should have said thank you and left. But then he asked – “And what are you in here for?”
“Brain surgery.”
2) Nick Clegg, they guy who took over from Charlie, and who became deputy Prime Minister in the 2010 coalition, is being interviewed by Nick Robinson. It’s his eighth interview of the morning.
He tells me that they have all begun in roughly the same way : “You’re hopeless, no one likes you, you’re going to lose – have you anything to say to that Deputy Prime Minister?”
3) Hapless Ed Miliband did have a sense of humour. Nick interviewed him once and he parodied himself cruelly. Pretending to shout through a megaphone he said
What do we want? Responsible capitalism! When do we want it? In the medium term!
THIS BOOK
It’s a diary, May 2014 to May 2015. It’s amazing how much stuff happens in a year, and all the politicians have to have a smooth attitude to everything that happens. (Why do you think so many cats get stuck in trees, minister? I can now announce that resources have been found and an Arboreal Pet Incident task force has been formed. I expect it to be able to make its first report next month at which time I will be able to answer your questions fully.) So reading it is a hectic pell-mell rush through the surface of one fairly crazy year in British politics, plus the fact that in January Nick Robinson was diagnosed with cancer. (He’s recovering.) Leaving aside one’s sympathy for this familiar face on TV, Nick does expose the stupidity and shallowness of much of what passes for BBC political journalism, which in turn mirrors the crassness and venality which passes for British political life, leaving this reader wincing, nodding, groaning, retching, smiling, snorting and furiously fulminating all the way to the sticky inevitable tatterdemalion end.
I think Britain is now a one-party state. Previously we had the slightly left Labour Party and the fairly right Conservative Party, and they would win elections (only) when they got themselves an impressive leader. For the Tories it was Maggie, and for Labour it was Tony Blair. Both of these characters were loved and loathed and both won three elections. Both were either chucked out (Maggie, because she had clearly gone mad) or resigned because three was enough (Tony Blair).
The Tories just scraped a win at the election in May with a majority in the House of Commons of 15. The problem is that Labour looks like it will now never win another election. Why, faugh, go to, go to, pooh pooh, you may say, 15 is a wafer thin majority. Labour could surge back. Well, not if the Scottish nationalists have anything to do with it. (This is the flaying tail.)
The Nats hate Labour only slightly less than they hate the Tories. And they hate the Tories a lot. The standing joke is that there are more giant pandas in Scotland than there are Conservative MPs. So Labour used to be the monolithic party in Scotland – at the 2010 election the Scots Nats won 6 out of 59 Scottish seats to Labour’s 52 - but at the 2015 election they won 56 out of 59 seats. That’s right, Labour was nearly wiped out. It was an earthquake.
The reason for this remarkable change was the referendum on independence which is a whole long story. But basically, even though the Nats lost the referendum (only 45% of Scots voted to be independent) Scotland is now foaming at the mouth with nationalism and sees Labour as just another English party.
So without the 50-plus Scottish seats, I can’t see Labour ever forming another government. They don’t win majorities just in England, which is a pretty Conservative country really. But even if they did, they seem to have lost whatever plot they had. They don’t know what they’re for anymore. Their current leadership candidates (now poor old Ed Miliband, the man who could not eat a bacon sandwich and who looked too much like Wallace has thrown himself out of the window) are a complete shower. They utter platitudinous bleatings. They vaguely gesture. They wouldn’t inspire you to climb out of a poisoned well full of rats with long teeth.
THREE MILD POLITICAL ANECDOTES
1) Charles Kennedy, one-time leader of the Liberal Democrats, a minor party, is visiting a hospital with a camera crew. Chats to a patient and asks if he intends to vote in the upcoming election.
“Oh yes, I’m voting Liberal democrat,” says the guy.
Charlie beams. He should have said thank you and left. But then he asked – “And what are you in here for?”
“Brain surgery.”
2) Nick Clegg, they guy who took over from Charlie, and who became deputy Prime Minister in the 2010 coalition, is being interviewed by Nick Robinson. It’s his eighth interview of the morning.
He tells me that they have all begun in roughly the same way : “You’re hopeless, no one likes you, you’re going to lose – have you anything to say to that Deputy Prime Minister?”
3) Hapless Ed Miliband did have a sense of humour. Nick interviewed him once and he parodied himself cruelly. Pretending to shout through a megaphone he said
What do we want? Responsible capitalism! When do we want it? In the medium term!
THIS BOOK
It’s a diary, May 2014 to May 2015. It’s amazing how much stuff happens in a year, and all the politicians have to have a smooth attitude to everything that happens. (Why do you think so many cats get stuck in trees, minister? I can now announce that resources have been found and an Arboreal Pet Incident task force has been formed. I expect it to be able to make its first report next month at which time I will be able to answer your questions fully.) So reading it is a hectic pell-mell rush through the surface of one fairly crazy year in British politics, plus the fact that in January Nick Robinson was diagnosed with cancer. (He’s recovering.) Leaving aside one’s sympathy for this familiar face on TV, Nick does expose the stupidity and shallowness of much of what passes for BBC political journalism, which in turn mirrors the crassness and venality which passes for British political life, leaving this reader wincing, nodding, groaning, retching, smiling, snorting and furiously fulminating all the way to the sticky inevitable tatterdemalion end.
October 22, 2015
This is the sort of political book that non politicos can easily dip into. Robinson is a smart and erudite writer, self effacing and quick to admit when he gets things wrong- both in analysis and prediction. His narrative around the Scottish Referendum is eye opening and insightful and his battle against cancer touching and poignant. What ultimately stands out though is a man of conviction and moral purpose with a clear understanding of the positive role journalists can play in holding those in power and authority to account. His judgement is fair and balanced (apart from when he talks about his beloved Man Utd) and you're left with a sense of "we need more like him around". Highly recommended.
July 27, 2015
The vivid, if sometimes wonkish, story of momentous happenings both political and personal in the run-up to the 2015 general election. Robinson's brio and joie-de-vivre shines through every page, even when chronicling his own bout with lung cancer, and his pen portraits and insights into the editorial complexities of life as the BBC's political editor are both delicately drawn.
On a personal note, I am probably still too close to the political story to fully enjoy this book. But a re-read in five years' time will bring a proper perspective to the momentous events contained therein.
On a personal note, I am probably still too close to the political story to fully enjoy this book. But a re-read in five years' time will bring a proper perspective to the momentous events contained therein.
February 13, 2021
The book consists of a day to day account of the bbc's political editor for the year up to the May 2015 election.
Unfortunately Mr Rovinson failed to spot how the election would turn out, with David Cameron winning a small overall election.
For much of the book Nick tells us Ed Miliband is the likely winner despite the oublic at large believing he was not really up for it. The Lib Dem wipeout was widely predicted under Clegg but not it seemed by the political editor.
It also shows that the westminster bubble is just that, with most of its activities poured over by the participants but making little or no difference in the country as a whole.
The second half of the book also covers Nick's lung cancer diagnosis and treatment and subsequent chemo treatment. Losing his voice means it is touch and go for covering the largest event in a political journalist's life, the general election.
Some passages appear to be nonchalant about the illness or treating it as an inconvenience with an impatience to get back to work.
Other bits are heartfelt with admittance of breaking down crying.
All in all a thoroughly entertaining read about a year in recent history. Those who follow politics in the uk will no doubt enjoy it.
Unfortunately Mr Rovinson failed to spot how the election would turn out, with David Cameron winning a small overall election.
For much of the book Nick tells us Ed Miliband is the likely winner despite the oublic at large believing he was not really up for it. The Lib Dem wipeout was widely predicted under Clegg but not it seemed by the political editor.
It also shows that the westminster bubble is just that, with most of its activities poured over by the participants but making little or no difference in the country as a whole.
The second half of the book also covers Nick's lung cancer diagnosis and treatment and subsequent chemo treatment. Losing his voice means it is touch and go for covering the largest event in a political journalist's life, the general election.
Some passages appear to be nonchalant about the illness or treating it as an inconvenience with an impatience to get back to work.
Other bits are heartfelt with admittance of breaking down crying.
All in all a thoroughly entertaining read about a year in recent history. Those who follow politics in the uk will no doubt enjoy it.
June 13, 2024
It’s June 2024, we are 3 weeks from another general election and I have just finished reading this book. What a depressing read. Not because of the author. I love Nick Robinson’s insights, self deprecating humour, his passion for the world of politics and his obvious expertise. It’s depressing because it shows just how little politicians have changed the world in the intervening 9 years. The NHS problems remain the same ( ambulance delays, beds in corridors, bed blockers because of the failures of our care system), the desperate shortages of cash to adequately fund our public services, the complete absence of economic growth, high personal taxation……But anyone with an interest in British politics should find this a fascinating read - if only to show how little has changed! Perhaps Mr Robinson could be persuaded to write a similar tome about our current elections…. The outcome may be of a different colour (unless the polls have got it completely wrong again), but the debates, the politicking, the issues are depressingly similar.
July 8, 2019
The book takes in all the events from the 2014 political events through to the aftermath of the General Election in 2015. It covers the local and European elections, the Scottish Independence Referendum and then the General Election, a lively time in British politics. It follows the campaigns of the leaders of the three parties and their ups and downs in media relations. Who can forget the infamous Edstone? I loved reading about that and the media reaction to the unveiling of it. I enjoyed seeing what was happening behind the scenes of the campaigns and election nights as viewed by the media broadcasting it all. It was a really entertaining read, the perfect mix of politics, humour and the personalities involved.
I liked the humour that Nick brings to it, sharing moments from his campaigns. The moment when former Liberal leader Charles Kennedy was excited by a hospital patient declaring he was voting Liberal before mentioning he was in for brain surgery! Boris declaring he was more likely to be reincarnated as an olive than become Prime Minister. Then there was the Labour cabinet meeting where half deaf Jack Straw was sitting beside half blind Gordon Brown and the two trying to pass notes that Gordon couldn't read as Jack couldn't hear him talking. I loved the story about Ed Balls and Yvette Cooper going on a Sound of Music bike tour wearing outfits made of curtains! I can imagine that being chaotic. It was fun to see May and Gove at war, the Labour MPs considering a plot against Ed as well as lots of things from the news like the phone hacking, defections to UKIP, the rise of ISIS and alleged Paedophile ring at Parliament. I very much enjoyed these diaries and will certainly read them again in the future.
I liked the humour that Nick brings to it, sharing moments from his campaigns. The moment when former Liberal leader Charles Kennedy was excited by a hospital patient declaring he was voting Liberal before mentioning he was in for brain surgery! Boris declaring he was more likely to be reincarnated as an olive than become Prime Minister. Then there was the Labour cabinet meeting where half deaf Jack Straw was sitting beside half blind Gordon Brown and the two trying to pass notes that Gordon couldn't read as Jack couldn't hear him talking. I loved the story about Ed Balls and Yvette Cooper going on a Sound of Music bike tour wearing outfits made of curtains! I can imagine that being chaotic. It was fun to see May and Gove at war, the Labour MPs considering a plot against Ed as well as lots of things from the news like the phone hacking, defections to UKIP, the rise of ISIS and alleged Paedophile ring at Parliament. I very much enjoyed these diaries and will certainly read them again in the future.
June 22, 2018
Imagine being the political editor of the BBC and being diagnosed with a tumour during the most important political campaign of your professional life. Now, imagine being as cool as Nick Robinson and beating the tumour in question, regaining your voice, and being back in Westminster on time to deliver the election results. Very informative journal, I had to read it to have some insights of what the political genesis of the 2016 Referendum was.
July 6, 2017
Really interesting analysis of the run up to the 2015 election.
June 6, 2018
Fascinating insights in to the day to day experiences of a journalist at the heart of one of the most interesting elections for some time. Well worth a read for an understanding of the processes behind TV's presentation of politics. Slightly lacking in anecdotes and analysis of those involved and the challanges that occur, possibly due to Robinson still working in the same arena, Even so, a very fresh view of events.
July 7, 2024
Timely read of the year leading up to the 2015 election
September 3, 2025
Never met BBC's Nick Robinson, but reading "Election Notebook" felt like catching up with an old friend. Conveys the emotional rollercoaster of cancer well.
March 16, 2017
"You can never know what lies around the corner. You can never control everything. But you must never, ever give up hope."
September 1, 2015
This starts on Thursday 8th May 2014 at 10 Downing Street with David Cameron starting the year towards the election. Robinson then takes us through that year up until Friday 8th May 2015 completing the year and the story of an election that no-one had predicted in the run up to it. 'Election Notebook' is written like a day, broken down into days and places that Robinson is at when that particular entry happens. As a result this is very easy to read and also broken down well meaning it can be picked up and left to come back to but I could not do this, I was so absorbed in it that I could not put it down. This is written in Robinson's easy style and he explains everything and all that is written is extremely clear. This book is incredibly informative and he says sometimes about things that he does not say in reports and I only wish that they were sometimes mentioned as it makes the politicians seem more human. As well as being factual I found it incredibly entertaining, it has moments of hilarity and moments of high emotion. Robinson details his cancer battle which brought tears to my eyes and he does not hold back in describing how difficult it was for him to be ready for election night. I cannot recommend this engaging read enough, this is an absolute must for anyone interested in politics, current affairs and most importantly a British citizen.
October 28, 2015
A compelling account of the 365 days leading up to the 2015 general election. Robinson's 'fly on the wall' view leaves the impression that journalism is not so much an investigation into the what is really going on as a game or dance in which the politician and the journalist perform well-rehearsed moves. Each needs the other in order to continue the dance/game but each wishes to use the other to his own advantage. Not pretty and not surprisingly makes one cynical about both politicians and journalists.
Towards the end of the book Robinson discovers that he has cancer and suddenly the book assumes an autobiographical power and authenticity which is wholly new. The real N.R. steps forward and one is engaged by a person rather than a man playing a part.
Towards the end of the book Robinson discovers that he has cancer and suddenly the book assumes an autobiographical power and authenticity which is wholly new. The real N.R. steps forward and one is engaged by a person rather than a man playing a part.
August 17, 2015
I bought this book immediately after seeing Nick Robinson take part in the BBC's One Show. I was impressed by his nature and the fact that he had fought through the coverage of an election campaign whilst seriously ill. His election notebook provides a fascinating insight into the day by day work and thoughts of someone working for the media in the centre of British politics. Although the pace was a little variable, the concept of a journal-like record of 12 frantic months of elections makes for intriguing reading and insightful analysis about what goes on behind the scenes in a flow of events that most British people will still remember very well. I commend this book to all.
July 2, 2015
A lively diary of the year leading up to the General Election which reveals more of Nick Robinson's personality than you get from his reports on TV, and gives some great insider insights in to all the main party leaders.
I would have liked to see some more post-election analysis but I expect the desire to get the book out as soon as possible after the election meant the focus was on the year on the campaign trail rather than being an analysis of the Conservative victory. There is a lot of good material here on the Scottish referendum and the relationship between the BBC and the head offices of all the main political parties.
I would have liked to see some more post-election analysis but I expect the desire to get the book out as soon as possible after the election meant the focus was on the year on the campaign trail rather than being an analysis of the Conservative victory. There is a lot of good material here on the Scottish referendum and the relationship between the BBC and the head offices of all the main political parties.
July 23, 2015
A very interesting diary covering one year before the 2015 UK general election (surely, one of the "oh my God! Did you see that" general elections in Britain) and right up to election night itself. Not being British, I am envious at the same time at how the British media is allowed to grill their politicians for the enjoyment of the masses. A good book if you're interested in British politics.
August 2, 2015
Fascinating insiders view of things that goes up close and personal with the key players when they're away from the cameras. So compelling that I might have given it five stars if it hadn't been for the heartbreakingly shit ending.
July 14, 2015
You think you know the story, but there are details you've forgotten - then you find out you only know half the story!
July 26, 2015
I enjoyed this , a fairly light read on holiday with interesting comment on the 2015 election .
September 16, 2015
Interesting commentary to the run-up and event of the 2015 UK general election. Lively descriptions, and intertwined with Mr Robinson's personal battle with lung cancer.
January 10, 2016
Very enjoyable, great insight into the real world of politics
December 2, 2015
Intriguing insight into the world of British Politics
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews