Rating:		4/5	Politics

Diary Of An MP’s Wife

Inside and Outside of Power

by Sasha Swire

I had reasonably low expectations for this book despite the generally positive reviews elsewhere because most political memoirs and exposés tend to be a bit dry and dull. Not so with this book which details Hugo Swire’s entry into and career in politics in which he was supported by his wife, the author in question.

The book focuses on the years when the conservatives regained power in 2010 to Swire’s departure from politics in 2019. As expected Hugo Swire comes out relatively unscathed but the same cannot be said for his former colleagues and other people in politics. Sasha Swire pretty much dishes the dirt on everyone; including (former) friends and colleagues, and shows that some politicians are a bunch of venal self serving and largely useless individuals.

The author shines a spotlight on the failures of both individuals and the political system, and shows how the “elite” feel entitled or endowed with some unexplained right to govern. As expected, the characters that make it to the levers of power are not necessarily the ones that best serve the interests of the UK and its people. And this is often hilariously highlighted.

While it’s clear that there are scores being settled, it’s also done in a refreshingly enjoyable way using her caustic wit and great story telling. Love or loathe the Swires, the Conservatives and politics as a whole, reading this book is both entertaining and enlightening; confirming all your worst suspicions and fears about our leaders and the bubble in which they operate.

I enjoyed this book reading it in stages rather than trying to get through it in one go; as my mood dictated.