Review: Decline & Fall – Diaries 2005-2010

This is the second of a three volume history of the fall and rise of New Labour, told from the perspective of Chris Mullin, Labour MP for Sunderland South for some twenty three years.

In the introduction the author claims to cover three main themes: firstly, the decline and “draining away” of power from Tony Blair, who he describes as the “most successful leader in Labour history”.

Secondly the continued weakening of Parliamentary authority mainly as a result of the “Great Expenses Meltdown”, and finally, the lingering death of a worn-out government under the leadership of a man described by one of his former colleagues as “paranoid and manic”; in the latter stages of the account, the threat of a global financial collapse adds to the overall sense of crisis.

However don’t think this is another dreary, dry and ultimately self-serving political tome. Chris Mullins as a backbencher and occasional junior minister speaks his mind and as a skilful writer addresses the reader in a manner which is engaging and often amusing.

The frustration of political life as a humble back bencher, the limits to political authority, the intense pressure to conform to the decisions made by those dwelling “in the stratosphere” (a reference to the “Man”, a.k.a. Tony Blair) and the, at times, childish attempts to avoid the consequences of sticking to one’s beliefs in defiance of one’s superiors, are all humorously examined and reflected on at depth.

Some of the comments made by the author and others referred to along the way are strikingly prescient, others such as the prediction that Osborne wouldn’t last very long, are just plain wrong. If you are interested in how we seem to end up with the same policies regardless which bunch appears to be in power, this goes some way to explaining this phenomenon in an amusing and astute way.

Throughout, Chris Mullins comes across as a thoughtful, insightful and typically conflicted human being. Well worth a read.

Decline & Fall: Diaries 2005-2010 by Chris Mullin is available now and you can compare prices on Decline & Fall.

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