Fighters And Quitters: Great Political Resignations

by Theo Barclay

They say the first rule of politics is never to resign. It seems, however, that Britain's leaders have all too often failed – or refused – to heed this sage advice. Fighters and Quitters charts the scandals, controversies and cock-ups that have obliterated dreams of high office, from the ex-minister who faked his death in the 1970s, to Geoffrey Howe's plot to topple Margaret Thatcher, to the many casualties of the Brexit saga. Then there are the sex and spy scandals that heralded doom and, of course, the infamous Profumo Affair. Who jumped and who was pushed? Who battled to keep their job and who collapsed at the first hint of pressure? Who returned, Lazarus-like, for a second act? From humiliating surrenders to principled departures, Fighters and Quitters lifts the lid on the lives of the politicians who fell on their own swords.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

361 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 5, 2018

Reviews

[Zoe Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first rule of British politics is never to resign.

This is a fascinating read. I was watching the news and Theo Barclay was talking about this book in his interview so I thought I’d purchase it and have a little read. The thing that clinched it for me was the mention of the Profumo Affair, something I learnt about in college.

Now let me explain that my political knowledge of anything that happened before the last 10 years is pretty much nothing. Nevertheless, this book is easy to follow and read. I especially liked the inclusion of personal letters from the resignee to Prime Minister and vice versa.

I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone with an interest in looking a little bit closer at some of the most well known moral and political resignations of our time.

[Nigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fascinating Read for Anyone Fascinated by Politics

Reminds me of a good "Spitting Image" episode. Great fun. Would have given it the fifth star but for the omission of Lord Carrington who resigned, very nobly, over the invasion of the Falkland Islands; a matter that really could not be directly blamed on him. He is one of my political heroes.

[Gareth Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining yet well-researched chronicle of modern hubris at the heart of British politics. Often surprisingly sympathetic figures jostle alongside the reprehensible in Barclay's capable hands - thoroughly recommended to any interested in 20th century British politics as well as human capacity to repeat the errors of previous generations.

[Harry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book. The short, entertaining chapters make it an enjoyable read, as well as making complicating events seem simple, without passing judgement on what the reasons for why these politicians resigned for were right or wrong.

[Jamie Emerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It illuminated episodes of British political history that I either didn’t know about or only knew the headlines of. Barclay’s writing is straightforward and no-nonsense but still made me laugh aloud from time to time. I’d love to see future editions; maybe one with the resignation of the current PM?

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable and diverting account of UK political scandals, some of them salacious, some of them sobering and some of them side-splitting.

[David Hallam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I particularly enjoyed the chapter comparing the resignations of Labour Ministers Robin Cook and Clare Short. At the time, Robin Cook was much praised for resigning without making a fuss and withdrawing gracefully from the quagmire of the decision to support the Iraq invasion. Short, on the other hand, attracted widespread criticism for vacillating over her decision. She threatened to resign but then delaying doing so, then openly criticised the Blair government before finally leaving.
Theo Barclay points out that, in many ways, Cook's resignation was pointless - he did not even attempt to persuade Blair or his Cabinet colleagues against the Iraq decision. On the other hand, Short at least had ethical reasons for delaying her departure, she has been judged harshly by history.

[David Tutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A considerable amount of detail of many of the 'scandals' in British politics over the past 60 years. Whilst I am sure that many other politicians could have featured those who do prove that scandal is not confined to one political party but spread across the political spectrum. The question left unanswered is whether this is really any greater than in any other walk of life or just more exposed as it relates to those in high office.

[Akin]

Enjoyable escapism. The chapter about Edwina Currie is particularly interesting. Seems she was treated quite shabbily.

I do think a bit more could have been done to underline the sensationalist spice that the mass media added to many of the case studies reported here…

[Michael Macdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent assessment of political scandals and our gross hypocrisy in howling for resignations for minor indiscretions. The list ranges from the bizarre Ron Davies to the sadly arrogant Andrew Mitchell to the possibly criminal Jeremy Thorpe. The intrusive actions of the police and judiciary are concerning, also note that Keir Starmer as Director Of Public Prosecutions I was happy to destroy the life of Chris Huhne