Diaries: In Power 1983-1992

by Alan Clark

Alan Clark's diaries, covering two Parliaments during which he served under Margaret Thatcher...and under John Major, constitute the most outspoken and revealing account of British political life ever written.

Genres: Politics, Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Diary, History, Memoir

443 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Alan Clark was an English Conservative MP, historian and diarist.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't as scandalous and exciting as I thought it would be. Obviously, he's an absolute shit. We all know that. But I thought he was going to be secretly likable. He's not, really.

"The House won't be much fun with nigh on 400 estate agents, merchant bankers and briefless baristers all OBN-ing."

"'There are certain matters that the Prime Minister has asked me to raise with you...'
'Really? Go ahead.'
'You have been spoken of with approval ...' he paused and I got ready to preen myself. Then he opened the red file. '...by the National Front.'"

"'Well,' I said, 'how are you keeping all the new boys in order?'
Without a second's hesitation he got my middle stump. 'By offering them your job.'"

"I can't even urinate if someone else comes into the gents - which, I seem to remember, is such a bad sign that, if admitted, it could get you a discharge from the Army as being a moral danger to your brothers in arms."

"Perhaps it's just another variant of always preferring other MP's constituents to one's own."

"'The trouble with Michael (Heseltine) is that he had to buy all his furniture.'"

On the threatre:
"how very tiresome and ego and generally oopsy-la are most of the audience"

"during that period she (Thatcher) ... had met Reagan and Carter, and she was astonished at how stupid they were."

"The subject of 'Europe' is almost, though not quite, as bad as Ireland must have been at the turn of the century"

"he was at Eton with me, but it was thought 'unhealthy' there to know other boys' Christian names"

"I always fall for the beguiling notion that if you let everyone else go in August you have an easy time while they're away, and are then due a pleasing free period when they all start work."

"He went to prison for a while, as rich people in America sometimes do"

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read a political autobiography for a change, and last year I settled on the well received "Alan Clark Diaries". These are not memoirs. They are exactly what he recorded in his diaries from 1983 to 1991. I think that is why I only read them in chunks. Every couple of months I would read another year's worth. They start with the Conservative's sweeping election victory of June 1983. Clark had been an MP since 1974 and was rewarded that month with his first ministerial post in Margaret Thatcher's government. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Employment was not what Clark had in mind, and his first forays as a very junior minister are pretty funny. In February 1986 he is made Minister for Trade, not in the cabinet but almost. He throws himself into his new elevated role and, being such a extrovert, copes well with all the travelling and conferences abroad, and continues in this position when the conservatives are re-elected in 1987.

In July 1989, he almost achieves his main ambition (the army was a lifetime passion) and is appointed Minister of State at Defence. But not as Secretary of State as the following conversation with the Prime Minister describes:
"Alan, I want you to go to Defence........ As Minister of State".
"Who is going to be Secretary of State?"
"Well, don't tell anyone, because it hasn't been released yet, but Tom (King) is coming back from Ireland to do it."
"I'm sorry Prime Minister, but I can't work with Tom. I went through all that when I was at DE, I can't do it again. He's too ghastly."
"I know what you mean, but he is much better now."
"I just can't do it, I'm afraid."
"Alan, you've always wanted to go to Defence. I've stood out to get you this job (uh?). You can't let me down by refusing."
"Oh, all right Prime Minister, thank you very much."
"Right then, that's settled." Oh dear! What a feeble resistance.

The year of 1990 takes up a huge chunk of the book, particularly the downfall of Margaret Thatcher. The book ends in early 1991 (he keeps his position at Defence) as Clark is inducted into the Privy Council. The book itself gives a highly entertaining insight into the workings of government. It is probably the next best thing to shadowing a minister of state, particularly in his dealings with the civil service. The writer is often outspoken, rude and lecherous, but never boring.

[Liam Murray · Rating 2 out of 5]

I lived in London during the late 80's and into the 90's, so I remember when Alan Clark was in the Thatcher government and when these Diaries were released. They received a lot of attention at the time, mostly because of the allusions to his many affairs and almost as an afterthought because of his insight into how politics works.

The former seems terribly tame (after I'd finished the book it took some research to uncover who he was referencing in his random allusive and elusive comments) but the political bits hold up a little better. In nine years in government it seems he almost got a bill through parliament (it was quashed by Thatch at the last moment), went on quite a few jaunts to the continent On Government Business and, erm, that's about it.

The central event of his political career (Matrix Churchill) is skimmed over in a few blink-and-you'll-miss-them lines, but the Arms to Iraq scandal had huge ramifications and was a major factor in Tony Blair's landslide in the 1997 general election, but I guess that's what happens when you look to the historian to write his own history.

The tone of the book is elegiac, and I lost count of the number of times Clark gets wistful about his misspent youth and rapidly advancing old age, which might be understandable but I couldn't help thinking, poor Alan, at least you can console yourself by heading off to one of your West Country farms, your 27,000 acre Scottish estate, your castle in Kent or your chalet in Zermatt. Chin up, old boy.

PS: I hadn't realised that Alan Clark was the son of Alan Clark, of Civilisation fame, which makes his posturing as some member of the landed gentry ridiculous and his famous disparagement of some nouveau riche colleague ("He bought his own furniture") a piece of jaw-dropping chutzpah.

[Christopher Dove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan Clark was a Conservative politician. He was in government for the last years of Mrs Thatcher's premiership and these diaries provide a fascinating insight into the politics of those years. It would be very easy to dislike Mr. Clark and to dismiss him as a lecherous member of the upper classes who knew little of the lives of most people in Britain at the time. This can perhaps be illustrated by the following passage from 19th July 1998: 'I shot round to Brooks's and my dice sparkled. I took £500 off Nick Blackwell and we all crossed the road to dine at Boodles.' So not the kind of person to elicit sympathy. But having read these diaries I was struck by the blazing honesty, the quick wit and the intelligence of the man. There are several laugh out loud moments, normally at the expense of his Tory rivals. Also, he didn't conform to what we would perhaps expect of an unashamedly upper class old Etonian. For instance he was a passionate believer in animal welfare and banned hunting on his estates. This book deserves it's status as a key record of politics in the late eighties, in particular for it's description of the downfall of Mrs. Thatcher.

[Shelley Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t pretend I didn’t enjoy this book. Clark is a good writer and I could perfectly imagine all the characters in his life and the settings. Some things even made me laugh. But and it’s a big but, I was appalled at his casual misogyny - every woman’s appearance is commented on - his racism and his complete belief in the superiority of the upper classes. How does this faith in a superior blood line differ from Nazism? The only person who seems to defy his prejudices is “The Lady” who doesn’t have an aristocratic blood line and whose appearance he mostly doesn’t comment on. This book for me was a real eye-opener as to what the upper classes really think, how back stabbing politics is and that we really need to start doing things differently as I’m not convinced that British politics has changed since this book was published.

[Pam Baddeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I'm not sympathetic to the politics of this member of Parliament and junior Minister in Thatcher's government, I enjoyed the series of six short episodes adapted from them by the BBC, so picked up this volume in a charity shop some years ago. I've finally got round to reading it and it's an interesting and gloriously non-PC extract from his daily diary from 1983 to early in 1991, warts and all, of what he thought of his various colleagues and the mistakes he committed in office.

Coming from a privileged background - he had inherited a dilapidated half-rebuilt castle and some other properties - he had a patronising attitude to the 'lower classes'. Other faults included lusting after women though claiming to treasure his long-suffering wife, 'darling Jane', and being downright rude about all and sundry. He was regarded as a toff and yearned for a knighthood, which I don't think he ever received. Ironic, considering he was the son of Kenneth Clark, the celebrated art historian, who was knighted at the age of thirty-five. Alan's parents were wealthy, but they didn't actually descend from the aristocracy as far as I can make out. In this volume, his father is heading towards the end of his life, something Alan considers is being hastened by his second wife.

The main interest in the book is the inside look at the dysfunctional Thatcher government and the build up to her downfall. The names of some of the many politicians who feature are familiar, though I can't always put a face to the name. However, the main players certainly have stayed in my memory. He couldn't stand Michael Heseltine and some of the other major Conservative stars of the day.

On the credit side, he was passionate about animal welfare, banned hunting on his lands, and tried to get an Order through Parliament to force fur manufacturers to declare on their products that they had used cruel foot traps to catch the animals. Unfortunately, Thatcher, who cared nothing for animals but was concerned about relations with Canada, which she was about to visit, squashed it. There is one sequence where he is devastated at shooting a heron to save the fish in the moat around the castle: I did wonder if he could perhaps have somehow netted it and taken it away to a more suitable fishing ground.

Confusingly, when recording which version of the diaries I'd read, there were several different editions, some covering different time periods. Readers should be warned that some language and attitudes would not be acceptable today. Despite that, for the overall insights and wit, it receives a 4 star rating.

[Mette · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an annoying (and misogynistic) man, but also an enlightening read.

On a fight over hunting ‘It would be the first time a minister had resigned because of the welfare of creatures who didn’t have a vote’
‘The newspapers are full of Heseltinia’
‘If everyone thinks something is important, then I suppose it is important’
‘My career is on the descending parabola’
‘There are no friends in politics. We are all sharks circling and waiting for traces of blood in the water’
Thoughts on meeting the queen: ‘is she dull and stupid? Or is she thinking how do people so dull and stupid become ministers?’
Really interesting given I’ve been reading about the poll tax and Heseltine’s possible leadership challenge.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clark offers an acerbically witty account of his time during the Thatcher years of Britain, beyond comparison with any other contemporary commentary. He has a mastery of the literary style and a frank honesty about his political friends and foes that will make readers giggle with delight. His charming demeanour holds behind it a devilish sense of humour which is on full display in his diaries. This would be a highly recommended book for anyone interested in the inner workings of politics or the Thatcher years. Excellent, absolutely excellent.

[Reason Restored · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read these notorious diaries in hardback upon publication decades ago at the urging of a favourite aunt.
Suddenly in need of something intelligent, frank and funny I came to the audiobook in search of the memories. Both of the times and the man.
His writerly voice is so vivid that it is hard to know if his own reading added any value, despite his excellent delivery.
Anyway, they did the trick. Amusing, sharp, piercing and brutal. Lol funny

[Ravi Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny and amazing in that this is an eye witness account of a great period in British history. It unfolds before his very eyes and we also get to see the trials and inadequacies of the narrator/diarist himself. The downfall of Thatcher by cannibals amongst the party itself is riveting and emotional. Better than any news correspondent or biographer is these diaries. A must read.

[Jonny Brick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful historical document for the Thatcher era, which is very good on the fall of 'the Lady' and the machinations of politics in the 1980s. Full of musings about ageing, class and society, with particular attention paid to Employment and Defence (the two briefs Clark was involved with). Some language was appropriate at the time but not now.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful political diaries, that make me quite like the old reprobate. He was refreshingly honest about his opinions and his love life. The opposite of political correct, and a great read because of it!

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

A candid insider’s account of the Tory governments of the 1980s from which we get the impression the country was being run by a clique of privileged, petty incompetents motivated by self-interest. Much like now then!

[Simon Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic fun and a great insight into life as a government minister under thatcher. Rather like paddy Leigh-fermor his subject is enormously enhanced by his immaculate writing style and extraordinary erudition.

[Sion Tecwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The things he says are horrifying, appalling. He comes across as snobbish, unfaithful, entitled, racist, self-pitying. But he is a brilliant writer, and you get the feeling that (most of the time) he is being very honest. One of the best (if not the best) political diary I have read.

[foundfoundfound · Rating 5 out of 5]

before all the interesting fellows were cleaned away from politics....

[Sarah E · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully funny insight into the privileged mind.

[Robert J]

I read it in 1990s. It is recorded on cassette with the Impressario himself reading his diaries .
It seemed that the Chelsea caucus were attracted to him .

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Andy Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly honest

[Paul Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the most entertaining political diaries ever written. Clark was a womanizer, a snob, an admirer of Hitler and Powell, a historian, a classic car collector (and occasional trader) and a mid level politician.

He never made it into the cabinet which perhaps make the diaries more readable. (The same can be said for Chris Mullin’s excellent diaries). Those who hold great office tend to be more circumspect in their memoirs. Clark is delightfully open about his private life, his ministerial duties (many of which bored him) his colleagues. Those he despised, Ken Clarke and Heseltine for example, are vilified in the most disparaging way. Ken Clarke was a “pudgy puffball”. Those he admired like Enoch Powell (the Prophet) and Margaret Thatcher (the Lady) were treated with altogether more respect.

His description in these diaries of the downfall of Thatcher is considered by many to be the definitive account.

These diaries were the first to be published but two further volumes covering 1974-82 and 1993 to his death in 1999 were published later. All are interesting and readable. I have them all and have read them cover to cover but will often “dip in” to them and read a few pages. I disagree with nearly everything he stood for but he was incredibly entertaining, even when he was being “economical with the actualité”.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hugely entertaining diaries from a Minister close to the centre of Margaret Thatcher's government in the UK in the 1980s. Alan Clark was a refreshingly irreverent figure with little time for the cant of politics and a relish for its rough and tumble, a delight in the gossip and intrigue, a great sense of humour and an easy, engaging, writing style. All these qualities coalesce in these unputdownable diaries. The work ranges from the hilariously funny, "even so-called Third World railways can't be this bad, the driver, presumably was one of their statutory quota of disabled employees and having an epileptic fit." to the deeply poignant, "Always I think of that Pole who played at the Army Training School at Llanberins, in 1945. For hours on end he played - Chopin, Rachmaninov, Liszt - preferring when the hall was empty, and it echoed. Was he thinking of home, and his dead children?"

[Gareth Evans · Rating 2 out of 5]

The famous Alan Clark diaries! In a word, disappointing. It's not just that Clark is a jerk, it's also because Clark is never at the heart of things. He is the frustrated middle manager believing that he has more talent than others think; close to the action but not close enough to influence anything. His attitude grates. This is a man who in politics for personal power and the because people who do not buy their own furniture should rule (rule not server). His constituents and the general electorate are treated with contempt. The book is not without drama, the last days of Tatcher are interesting and his general irreverence is fun at times. However, it's his general irrelevance that is the problem.

[Gavin Dobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alan Clark upholds a rich tradition of British journal-writing, incorporating the bawdiness of Boswell with humorous contemporary observations of life in the Thatcher administration. Despite his roguish behaviour and what might today be regarded as political-incorrectness, he comes across as boyishly loveable. He made friends across the political spectrum, key criteria being their entertainment value and ability to engage intellectually as much as their political views. He was also an accomplished historian and wrote important books about WW1 (The Donkeys) and WW2 (Barbarossa). He would have made a great dinner companion.

[Jim Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan Clark was a fairy right-wing Conservative who was clever, and could have achieved a great deal in politics had he not liked life in general, and the ladies in particular, so much. The result was that while he did manage to become a junior minister,he didn't rise as high up the party as he could have done (which probably didn't bother him if I'm honest).

This collection of his diary entries shows us what happened in the Conservative Party (and his private life) during the 1980s when the Conservatives were in office. It's a good fun read, and probably set the standard for "political diaries" that have come since.

[Tim Rideout · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the majority of this book over the last few days during a spell in hospital. Inevitably a time of reflection. While I don't share Clark's political values and beliefs, at the same time I empathised with the inner thoughts expressed in his diary: the disappointment of ambition and expectation, the fears of illness and ageing, the problematic nature of maintaining relationships in a charged political environment.

The diary covers a particularly turbulent time in UK politics with a heavy focus on Thatcher's ousting in 1990. As throughout the book Clark's insights are skilfully crafted and offer a real sense of the author.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun little book with a surprisingly frank, unquestionably unreliable narrator.

It follows a junior minister in the 1980s British government over most of the decade.

If one wants to know the cut and thrust of day to day politics in the Tacther government, I feel like house of cards might suit you better, as fictional and sensationalist as it is.

Wonderfully literary and worthy of its note. Read if you are curious about the book, maybe not good for others.

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining! Why can't politicians be this way now? I remember that I read this at the end of summer 2004, having just returned from China. The reason that I remember the date is that I actually briefly began writing a diary myself after reading this (I'm very fickle), and wrote at least one entry about the US presidential race in Autumn 2004. So, there you go...

[Alexander Holbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a conservative and most definitely not a Tory, yet Clark was just to the right of Atilla the Hun, so why do I like it? Clark has the ability to bring one to either shrieks of mirth or silent weeping in a few stark words, as well as providing the most salient example of political writing to come out of the House of Commons. Can good prose be written by reactionaries? I guess it can!

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hamlet said it best, I think; "What a piece of work is a man" . . .
Mr Clark was certainly a 'piece of work'.

At turns entertaining, insightful and always caddishly honest - will be a delight to any devotee of late last century British politics.