Power and Responsibility is the third volume of Alastair Campbell’s unique daily account of life at the centre of the Blair government. It begins amid conflict in Kosovo, and ends on September 11, 2001, a day which immediately wrote itself into the history books, changing the course of both the Bush presidency and the Blair premiership. In this volume, we see that New Labour’s honeymoon is well and truly over. In addition to detailing the continuing tensions at the top, here we find graphic accounts of a variety of domestic crises: foot-and-mouth disease and protests over fuel prices which almost brought Britain to a halt. Volume Three includes Peter Mandelson’s second resignation, the agonies of the Millennium Dome, and the most unexpected slow-handclapping in memory, when the Women’s Institute turned against Tony Blair. Yet despite all the problems – not least the most accident-prone manifesto launch in history, complete with deputy prime minister John Prescott punching a voter – Labour won a second successive landslide election victory. That triumph is intimately recorded here, alongside the high points of this period, such as devolution to Northern Ireland and the fall of Milosevic.
Dive deep into the heart of New Labour with "The Alastair Campbell Diaries: Volume Three: Power and Responsibility 1999-2001," a gripping and unflinchingly honest account of life inside Tony Blair's government, penned by his Director of Communications and Strategy, Alastair Campbell. This reprint edition offers a raw, unfiltered perspective on a pivotal period in British and world history, beginning amidst the Kosovo conflict and culminating with the earth-shattering events of September 11th, 2001. Beyond a mere chronicle of political events, Campbell's diary is a deeply personal and revealing document. He paints a vivid picture of the intense pressures, relentless demands, and constant crises that defined the Blair years. This volume pulls no punches, laying bare the internal tensions within the government, the often-turbulent relationship between Blair and his Chancellor, Gordon Brown, and the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing media landscape. "Power and Responsibility" delves into a series of domestic crises that threatened to destabilize the government, from the devastating foot-and-mouth outbreak that crippled the agricultural sector to the widespread fuel protests that brought the country to a standstill. Campbell provides a day-by-day account of the government's response, revealing the strategies, debates, and behind-the-scenes maneuvering that shaped their actions. The book also offers an intimate look at some of the most memorable moments and missteps of the era, including Peter Mandelson's second resignation, the controversial Millennium Dome project, and the infamous incident when the Women's Institute famously slow-handclapped Tony Blair. Campbells diary brings these events to life with a level of detail and immediacy rarely found in historical accounts. Despite the numerous challenges and setbacks, "Power and Responsibility" chronicles Labour's remarkable achievement in securing a second consecutive landslide election victory. Campbell meticulously records the highs and lows of the campaign, including the now-legendary "accident-prone" manifesto launch, complete with Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's infamous altercation with a voter. The diaries offer insights into how New Labour, under Blair's leadership, managed to overcome adversity and maintain its grip on power. Furthermore, Campbell explores the significance of key achievements during this period, such as the devolution of power to Northern Ireland and the fall of Slobodan Milosevic, events that reshaped the political landscape of Europe and beyond. He offers a unique perspective on Blair's role on the international stage, particularly his relationship with US President Bill Clinton and later, George W. Bush. The diaries give unprecedented context into the complex dynamics of international relations at a crucial juncture in history. This compelling volume offers a comprehensive and insightful portrayal of power, politics, and personality. It's a must-read for anyone interested in British history, political science, or the inner workings of government. With 728 pages of detailed observations and candid reflections, "The Alastair Campbell Diaries: Volume Three" provides an unparalleled window into the Blair years and the man who played a pivotal role in shaping them. Get your copy today and experience history as it unfolded, through the eyes of one of its key players.