Servants of the People: The Inside Story of New Labour

Servants of the People chronicles New Labour's first term in power under Tony Blair, from the 1997 election victory through 2001. The book provides a behind-the-scenes account of the relationships, power dynamics, and decision-making at the highest levels of British government during this period. Through interviews and insider access, journalist Andrew Rawnsley documents the key figures who shaped New Labour policy and politics - particularly the complex partnership between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. The narrative covers major events including the death of Princess Diana, the Good Friday Agreement, and Britain's military interventions abroad. The text examines how New Labour navigated the challenges of modernizing the party while maintaining traditional Labour values and support. This tension between old and new, along with the personal ambitions and ideological differences among leadership, forms the core narrative thread. The book serves as both a political history and a study of how power operates at the summit of government - revealing the gap between public presentation and private reality in modern politics. Through its focus on personalities and relationships, it illuminates larger questions about the nature of leadership and institutional change.

Readers describe the book as an inside look at tensions between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, based on extensive access and interviews. Multiple reviews note Rawnsley's detailed research and fly-on-the-wall perspective of key moments. Readers appreciated: - Behind-the-scenes accounts of policy decisions and conflicts - Clear writing style that makes complex politics accessible - Balanced portrayal of both Blair and Brown - Inclusion of first-hand sources and quotes Common criticisms: - Too much focus on Blair-Brown relationship at expense of other issues - Some readers found the level of detail overwhelming - Questions about accuracy of certain private conversations - Timeline can be hard to follow Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (127 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.3/5 (89 reviews) Amazon US: 4.1/5 (24 reviews) One reviewer on Amazon UK noted: "Reads like a political thriller but backed by solid journalism." Several Goodreads reviewers cited it as the definitive account of New Labour's early years in power.

The Blair Years by Alastair Campbell This collection of diaries from Tony Blair's chief strategist documents the inner workings and power dynamics of New Labour from 1994-2003.

Power Trip: A Decade of Policy, Plots and Spin by Damien McBride Gordon Brown's former spin doctor reveals the mechanics of media manipulation and internal conflicts during New Labour's time in government.

The End of the Party by Andrew Rawnsley This sequel to Servants of the People chronicles Labour's second term through its defeat, focusing on the relationship between Blair and Brown.

Whatever It Takes by Steve Richards This examination of the New Labour project traces the political evolution from Blair to Brown through interviews with key figures and unreported incidents.

The Third Man by Peter Mandelson This memoir from one of New Labour's architects provides an insider account of the movement's creation, success, and eventual downfall.

🔷 Andrew Rawnsley obtained unprecedented access to Tony Blair's inner circle, conducting over 500 interviews with cabinet ministers, civil servants, and close advisors for this book. 🔷 The book's title "Servants of the People" is an ironic reference to how New Labour positioned themselves, while Rawnsley's account reveals their intense obsession with controlling the media and public image. 🔷 Tony Blair personally attempted to prevent certain revelations in the book from being published, particularly regarding tensions between himself and Gordon Brown. 🔷 The book exposed the "Granita Pact" - a secret deal made between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown at a London restaurant, where they agreed on who would lead the Labour Party. 🔷 Rawnsley's work became so influential that subsequent political journalists and commentators refer to it as the definitive account of New Labour's first term in office (1997-2001).