Spin Doctor's Diary

While Lance Price was Alasdair Campbell's deputy in the Downing Street Press Office at the end of the 1990s and then Director of Communications at the Labour Party, he kept an informal journal of his experiences. Published in full for the first time, these controversial diaries offer a rare and unfiltered perspective of Tony Blair as Prime Minister and the kind of government he runs. We see ministers, from Blair down, behaving as human beings - ambitious, vain, obsessed with image and petty rivalries - but also industrious, determined to succeed and all too aware of the price of failure. This is New Labour at the height of its power, with a huge majority and a feeble opposition, a government elected with high expectations and yet beset by self-inflicted wounds. THE SPIN DOCTOR'S DIARY reveals in detail for the first time the overwhelming obsession with spin; the scandals and resignations; the bitter rows - not just between Blair and Gordon Brown, but also over who should be Mayor of London, the Euro, devolution, public spending and much mroe besides. Lance Price describes what he did and what he saw with refreshing wit and candour. This is politics stripped bare - not always a pretty sight, but an unforgettable one.

About the Author :
Lance Price worked at 10 Downing Street from 1998 to 2000 where he was a deputy to Alastair Campell. He was the Labour Party s Director of Communications from 2000 until the General Election of 2001, when Tony Blair secured his second landslide. He is now a writer, political commentator and broadcaster.

Review :
These are gripping diaries, acutely well-observed and written in fine prose. They provide the first insider diary account of Blair s Number 10. They will be as fascinating to readers today as they will to future historians. - Anthony Seldon 'An enjoyable romp through the ministries of delicate egos and dangerous arrogance.' - The Sunday Times 'This book will be a useful tool for future biographers and analysts to pinpoint the chronology of key decisions.' - Observer 'Quite brilliant . . . These diaries have performed a public service of great importance.' - Peter Oborne, Evening Standard Surprisingly amusing for a chap who worked in a government not known for its sense of humour. - Marina Hyde, Guardian 'Excellent . . . this is a riveting book, a genuine page-turner that will fascinate anyone with an interest in the inner wiring of the Blair government. The true value of the book, however, lies in its wealth of asides and anecdotes about the key players on the New Labour team.' - Matthew d'Ancona, Sunday Telegraph 'Looking for a stocking filler? . . . buy, then, Lance Price's diary of what it was like to work with Tony Blair in 10 Downing Street.' - Ron Liddle, The Sunday Times