POLITICAL MATTERS: Political reading matter is perfect Christmas gift

Christmas is my favourite time of the year. I have always had a yearning for a festive season relaxing before a blazing log fire, with the snow falling outside, listening to carols, reading my prized new hardback book, fresh from the local bookseller.

It never works out quite like that – but this year will be different, as I have my “super six” political books already in hand. All I need now is a log fire and snow…

Are you looking for a gift for a loved one who shares my addiction to politics? No matter which side of the political fence you’re on, I can suggest a book to cheer up your Christmas. They may not be a laugh-a-minute, but they are thoughtful, controversial, and hard hitting.

First on my Santa wish list (children, please acknowledge), is Harold Wilson: The Winner by Nick Thomas-Symonds. Harold is indeed a winner. He is the only Labour leader to have won four General Elections. The author is a current Labour frontbencher who has a very readable style. This would be my Secret Santa present to Sir Keir Starmer.

My next book recommendation is Out of the Blue: The Inside Story of The Unexpected Rise and Fall of Liz Truss by Cole and Heale. A book from the other end of the political spectrum, but I suspect it will appeal across the board. Britain’s shortest serving Prime Minister had an impressive career prior to getting the top job. What went wrong? An entertaining and amusing read.

Next on my list is Chums by Simon Kuper. The author is a Financial Times columnist, who asks how a tiny group of Oxford Tories took over the UK. The group includes Boris Johnson, David Cameron, Theresa May and, of course, Rishi Sunak. Kuper was at Oxford with many of these politicians. Excellent choice for reading in one sitting.

Book number four will appeal more to lovers of American politics. Giuliani by Andrew Kirtzman charts the rise and fall of “America’s Mayor,” from the heights of his popularity at 9/11 to the depths of his time supporting Donald Trump. Perhaps a timely warning for all our political leaders?

My next choice is my personal favourite, Cheers, Mr Churchill! by Andrew Liddle. The book covers Winston Churchill’s period representing the constituency of Dundee from 1908 to 1922. He was defeated by Edwin Scrymgeour, the only prohibitionist ever elected to the House of Commons. It’s a fascinating insight into Churchill’s early political career.

The final choice is Preventable by Devi Sridhar. This book is about global politics and charts the story of the Covid-19 pandemic. Professor Sridhar was an advisor to the Scottish Parliament Covid Committee, which I served on for a few years. She also advises the First Minister and regularly appears on national media. Extremely readable account of the pandemic and how to prevent the next one.

I was back in the House of Commons this week after a long absence, to attend a Former MPs event. I met up with a number of old friends, including Lord George Foulkes, who is a former Labour international development minister. I have to confess that we did not chat about politics, but about the relative performances of our football clubs. George is the ex-chairman of Hearts FC but always had a soft spot for Caley Thistle! Could you maybe loan us some players, George?

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