Writing

I have written widely on politics and political history, with a specific interest in political opposition. Below you can find details of my written work, with links to buy or download copies. I have also assisted with others’ published work, acting as an editor and researcher for a number of political memoirs and diaries.

My Books:

How to be in Opposition

Life in the Political Shadows

(Biteback, 2011)

The Not Quite Prime Ministers

Leaders of the Opposition 1783-2020

(Biteback, 2023)

Cover image of "Institutionalised DIssent"

Institutionalised Dissent

The Official Opposition in the UK Since 1935

(Routledge, 2024)

Book Chapters:

I have also contributed chapters to a number of other books on politics and history, details of which are below. These include Iain Dale’s edited collections of historical essays, as well as formal academic books.

The Art of Opposition

Ed. Scott Prasser and David Clune (Connor Court 2024)

Chapter: “The Opposition at Westminster”

The Prime Ministers

Ed. Iain Dale (Hodder & Stoughton, 2020)

Chapter: “The Earl of Derby”

Kings and Queens

Ed. Iain Dale (Hodder & Stoughton, 2023)

Chapter: “Edward II”

British General Election Campaigns

Ed. Iain Dale (Biteback, 2024)

Chapter: “The 1852 General Election”

Leaders of the Opposition

Ed. Timothy Heppell (Palgrave Macmillan, 2012)

Chapter: “William Hague”

A Blue Tomorrow

Ed. Iain Dale (Politico’s, 2001)

Chapter: “Living in the Shadows – Making the Most of Opposition”

Memories of Margaret Thatcher

Ed. Iain Dale (Biteback, 2013)

Chapter: “Nigel Fletcher”

Authored Articles

Assembling a Shadow Cabinet

  • The UK in a Changing Europe, April 2020

“I am most deeply hurt” (with Matthew Bailey) 

Using ‘real time’, Matthew Bailey and Nigel Fletcher explore what happened to the Labour party after the untimely death of Hugh Gaitskell.

  • Mile End Institute blog, 1st February 2018

“The President’s Speech”

  • History and Policy blog, February 2017