Scott Cresswell

Political journalist and commentator

My Blog

Here you'll find any blog posts I write in my spare time. Keep an eye out for my 100-word book reviews every Monday!

Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100: Edward Heath by Philip Ziegler

Often considered one of the worst modern Prime Ministers, Edward Heath is certainly one of the most mysterious holders of the office.

In an authorised account of Heath’s long life and political career, Philip Ziegler sheds light on Heath’s private character behind his aloof public front.

Although never damning, Ziegler’s judgements can be critical, especially of Heath’s arrogance and delusions that he would take up the leadership once again after Thatcher succeeded him.

However, Ziegler does
Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100: The Downfall of the Liberal Party, 1914-1935

The decline of Britain’s Liberal Party has always been fascinating to me.

Many writers have analysed the collapse, but Trevor Wilson’s forgotten book from 1966 is a decent book that – at its best – explores the rocky relationship between Asquith and Lloyd George.

Examining the period from 1914 to 1935, Wilson provides a history of the Liberals during the early 20th century and how two splits led to near-extinction. Really, Wilson’s study should have begun with the first Liberal split in 1886,
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Books in 100: Cheer Churchill. Vote Labour

The 1945 election will forever be a turning point in British history. In his book exploring the reasons for Labour’s victory, Paul Dimoldenberg examines the decade leading up to the war and Britain’s gradual shift to the left.

Dimoldenberg writes a very readable book. It may be from a Labour perspective, but it analyses the unpopularity of the Tories and the impact of Churchill.

It also recounts some fascinating personal accounts from future Labour figureheads, such as Healey, Callaghan, Wilso
Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100: Closet Queens

All politicians have their private lives. However, Michael Bloch’s highly readable book details the secret lives of some of Britain’s most significant political figures.

In Closet Queens, Bloch explores a range of politicians and unearths some revealing stories about the same-sex adventures of Lord Rosebery, Winston Churchill, Roy Jenkins, Michael Portillo, and others.

While, in most cases, the tales are either rumour or embellished in mystery, and Bloch’s judgements are unusual (especially hi
Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100: The Penguin Book of Modern Speeches

Some may consider a review of collected speeches scraping the bottom of the barrel. However, this collection highlights the historical importance of Queen Elizabeth II, whose death last week ended an era.

Elizabeth II may be only granted one speech in this book – her annus horribilis speech in 1992 – but she is part of a titanic group of figures since 1899 whose characters and politics shaped the world.

From Theodore Roosevelt to Donald Trump, with Winston Churchill among others in-between, th
Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100: A Classless Society: Britain in the 1990s

More than two decades on from a decade deemed perfect by some, Alwyn Turner places himself firmly as the definitive historian of Britain in the 1990s.

By far the longest book in his trilogy, A Classless Society explores every aspect of the nineties in terrific detail as readers enjoy a rollercoaster ride of politics and culture.

From the rise of John Major in November 1990 to the September 11 attacks in 2001, Turner leaves no stone unturned.

Despite what disagreements I may have with the auth
Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100: Harold Wilson by Ben Pimlott

When Ben Pimlott wrote his biography of Harold Wilson in 1992, the former Prime Minister’s reputation was far from high.

However, in one of the most authoritative and extensive books focusing on the life and career of Wilson, Pimlott explores every aspect microscopically as each area of the four Wilson administrations is conveyed neatly and fairly.

Not only does Pimlott detail Wilson’s achievements well, but he explores the mysterious and cunning character of a Prime Minister who defined Brita
Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100: Rejoice! Rejoice! Britain in the 1980s

The second in a trilogy by Alwyn Turner, Rejoice! Rejoice! explores Britain from May 1979 to November 1990 – in other words the premiership of Margaret Thatcher – concisely and more engagingly than others have.

I must confess that I find the eighties far less fascinating compared to the 1970s and 1990s, but Turner once again paints a varied picture and highlights the divided politics and fascinating subculture of the time.

For a political geek like myself, I often think of the eighties as the
Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100: Gallery of 20th Century Portraits by Roy Jenkins

For those who prefer personal snapshots rather than long-form biography, Roy Jenkins’s Gallery of 20th Century Portraits might be a favourite.

Focusing predominantly on politicians from the 1900s to the 1970s, Jenkins chronicles the lives of various characters concisely and with enough subjectiveness to make each chapter engaging.

However, it is obvious that Jenkins much prefers some characters over others. Chapters on Hugh Gaitskell and Anthony Crossland, two social democratic friends of Jenk
Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100: Crisis? What Crisis? Britain in the 1970s

As a decade of political, economic, and industrial turbulence, the 1970s now has something of a darkly mythical status. However, Alwyn Turner provides a realistic but intimate painting of the decade.

Turner explores the seventies through politics and culture; his book is split into three parts focusing on the Heath, Wilson, and Callaghan governments.

While other writers may concentrate more on the politics and governance of the time, Turner uniquely delves into 1970s culture and discusses TV a
Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100: The Presidents by Iain Dale

The Presidency must be the most written subject of our age. However, Iain Dale’s epic stands out in the crowded field.

As editor, Dale oversees a highly accessible book penned by 45 authors on the 46 US Presidents (Grover Cleveland served twice). While each writer provides their own tone, the book is never dry academia.

After a strong general analysis by Scott Lucas, each chapter is a delight. Often forgotten Presidents like Chester Arthur or Zachary Taylor are given the attention they deserve
Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100: The Prime Ministers Who Never Were

Aren’t counterfactuals great? For somebody who has explored the countless different paths that British politics could have taken, The Prime Ministers Who Never Were is a dream.

Despite its brevity and simplicity, Francis Beckett edits an imaginative book penned by creative authors who delve into the fantasy premierships of Austen Chamberlain, Oswald Mosley, Neil Kinnock, John Smith (the most legendary of ‘what if’ PMs) and many more.

Writers offer condensed stories rather than dense texts that
Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100: Jeremy Thorpe by Michael Bloch

Resignation and scandal often go hand-in-hand in politics, but this duo has never been more interesting than in the life and career of Jeremy Thorpe.

Michael Bloch chronicles the life of Thorpe from his birth to death, focusing notably on his Liberal career and the Norman Scott scandal.

Bloch selects a fantastically intriguing character who lived a diverse life, and the author does well to focus on every event in Thorpe’s life as much as the famed trial in 1979.

One may disagree with many of
Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100: Gerald Scarfe’s Monsters

For more than six decades, satirist Gerald Scarfe succeeded in making our politicians appear just as the title of his coffee table book suggests: Monsters.

From his early illustrations of Macmillan and Kennedy to the latter-day satire focusing on Cameron and Obama, Scarfe’s artistic talent is truly wonderful, and he never fails to be creative when it comes to each character. Wilson, Nixon, Heath, Thatcher, Clinton, Blair, and Bush are all terrifically rendered.

Supplied by riveting commentary
Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100: British Labour Leaders

In its 122-year history, Labour has had numerous leaders, but only six have become Prime Minister.

In an analysis of Labour leaders from Keir Hardie to Ed Miliband (edited by Charles Clarke and Toby James), a solid framework of assessment is applied as varying authors provide their take on all Labour leaders during times of success and failure.

Predictably, John Rentoul writes a gushing chapter on Tony Blair, while Mark Stuart pens an interesting chapter on John Smith. Others offer impressive
Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100: Red Knight: The Unauthorised Biography of Sir Keir Starmer

As a potential Prime Minister, Keir Starmer is deserving of a biography that explores his life, achievements, and blemishes.

Although Lord Ashcroft’s subject matter may not be hugely interesting, readers are provided with a decent timeline of events in Starmer’s life that consists of interviews and descriptions.

However, Ashcroft’s book is riddled with ironies. Unsurprisingly, judgements are harsh, but his critique of Starmer as a nit-picker is hypocritical as Red Knight is littered with bizar
Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100: The Macmillans

Out of all the Prime Ministerial families, none are more interesting than the Macmillans.

In his study of the Macmillan family from their humble origins in Scotland, to the creation of their famous publishing house, and their establishment existence in the late-20th century, Richard Davenport-Hines paints a deep picture.

Although Davenport-Hines may be limited by lawyers in his quest to convey the Macmillan secrets, he tells an engrossing story which covers the talent and tragedy of the famous
Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100: The Future of British Politics

If a book is titled The Future of British Politics, you’d expect some answers or analysis. However, comedian Frankie Boyle provides only rants and jokes.

In his short book, Boyle explores British nationalism, the development of technology, and internationalism.

Boyle may possess some historical and political knowledge that would, in normal circumstances, provide the basis of a solid theoretical piece. However, Boyle’s informal tone is too dominant.

Aside from making some pretty outlandish sta
Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100: The Birth, Life, and Death of the SDP

Remember the SDP? They once seemed like the future. However, Ivor Crewe and Anthony King document the history of a party that lived for less than a decade.

From its creation in 1981 to its merger with the Liberals in 1988, Crewe and King provide the most authoritative history of the SDP possible as they explore the party’s origins and modern use of media.

But with an academic tone, the middle focus purely on the party’s internal machinery. Although there are points of interest, such as the SDP
Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100 – Franklin Delano Roosevelt by Roy Jenkins

As America’s longest serving President, it’s surprising how much Roy Jenkins covers in his biography of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

At just 170 pages, Jenkins may not have completed the book upon his death in 2003 (Richard E. Neustadt finished it), but he documents Roosevelt’s life and career concisely.

While I find much of Roosevelt’s pre-political life dry, the quality of Jenkins’s storytelling becomes clear as FDR’s career progresses. His analysis is rapid yet intelligent, particularly when
Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100 – All In It Together: England in the Early 21st Century

You would be forgiven for thinking that a historical analysis of the early 21st century is premature, but Alwyn Turner’s All In It Together provides a fascinating overview.

From the War on Terror to Brexit, Turner explores the narrative of 21st century England (strangely not the whole of Britain), focusing on the politics and culture of the first two decades of the millennium.

Much of Turner’s writing focuses on the New Labour era. His thesis on a time long since passed is excellent and hugely
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Books in 100 – The Prime Ministers We Never Had

Thinking of the prime ministers we never had is a wonderful game. However, journalist Steve Richards closely examines some of those figures and explores why they never made it into Number 10.

Richards’s writing is no counterfactual exercise. His analysis of figures from Butler to Corbyn is hugely readable and doesn’t qualify as dry academia.

The territory of almost-PMs is historically endless; Richards selects a strong cast of figures. He also highlights the male dominance of politics, with Ba
Writer Scott Cresswell •

Books in 100 – Tony Blair: Prime Minister by John Rentoul

John Rentoul has a reputation as the Blairite of all Blairites. However, his extensive 2001 biography of the then-PM is surprisingly critical.

Published shortly before the 2001 election, Rentoul writes a thorough interim account of Tony Blair’s life and first years in office.

Rentoul provides the most authoritative account of Blair’s pre-PM life. His provisional verdict is distinctly un-Blairite, describing Blair only as ‘competent’ with just some ‘one-off achievements’ but with potential to d