A View from the Foothills

A View from the Foothills presents Chris Mullin's political diaries from his time as a junior minister in Tony Blair's government from 1999-2005. The book documents day-to-day life in Westminster through the lens of a self-described "lowly" parliamentarian rather than a high-ranking cabinet member. Mullin records the inner workings of various government departments, including Transport and Environment, while observing key figures and events that shaped British politics during this period. His position on the fringes of power allows him to comment on policy decisions, parliamentary procedures, and party dynamics from an insider-outsider perspective. The diary entries capture both mundane bureaucratic routines and major political developments like the Iraq War and post-9/11 security measures. Mullin's writing maintains a frank tone as he chronicles meetings, conversations, and behind-the-scenes moments. The book offers insights into the nature of modern democratic governance and the limitations of individual influence within large political institutions. Through Mullin's observations, readers gain understanding of how power operates at different levels of government and the gap between public perception and political reality.

Readers highlight Mullin's candid, unvarnished portrayal of life as a junior minister under Tony Blair's government. The diary format captures day-to-day frustrations and absurdities of British politics from 1999-2005. Likes: - Insider view of government dysfunction and waste - Dry humor and self-deprecating tone - Details about Iraq War decision-making - Balanced criticism of both Labour and Conservative parties Dislikes: - Some sections focus too much on local constituency matters - Writing style can be repetitive - Lacks deeper analysis of major policy decisions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (243 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.5/5 (168 reviews) Reader Quote: "Unlike many political diaries, Mullin writes without self-importance or attempts at legacy-building. His frustration with bureaucracy and observations of ministerial life feel authentic." - Amazon reviewer "Sometimes too focused on minutiae but provides valuable insight into how government actually works (or doesn't)." - Goodreads reviewer

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📚 Chris Mullin kept detailed diaries during his time as a junior minister in Tony Blair's government, offering rare insights into the day-to-day workings of British politics from 1999-2005. 🏛️ The book reveals that Mullin coined the term "The Deep State" in British political discourse, referring to the permanent government of senior civil servants who outlast elected officials. ✍️ Before entering politics, Mullin was an investigative journalist who helped expose one of Britain's most notorious miscarriages of justice - the wrongful conviction of the Birmingham Six. 🎬 Mullin's earlier book "Error of Judgement" about the Birmingham Six case was adapted into the acclaimed TV drama "Who Bombed Birmingham?" 🗣️ The diary entries show Mullin's growing disillusionment with New Labour, particularly regarding the Iraq War, which he opposed despite holding a government position at the time.