Politics On the Edge

Politics On the Edge offers an unflinching look at the tumultuous world of British politics through the eyes of Rory Stewart, a former Cabinet minister and a compelling voice on the political stage. This searing insider's account charts Stewart's extraordinary ten-year journey in Parliament, beginning as a political outsider in 2010 and culminating in a bold bid for prime minister. Along the way, he faces a profound disillusionment with a Conservative Party that he barely recognises by the end of his tenure.

Throughout his decade-long career, Stewart tackles a wide array of ministerial challenges. As Floods Minister, he navigates the complexities of disaster response and the daunting obstacles posed by natural calamities. His tenure as Prisons Minister exposes him to the grim realities of prison violence and systemic dysfunction. In his role as a Foreign Minister, Stewart confronts global conflict and poverty, bearing witness to the limitations of British influence abroad. During his time as a Cabinet minister, he grapples with the chaos of Brexit, a period characterised by political upheaval and government paralyses.

Stewart's narrative is not just a critique of the systems and structures but a candid reflection on the personal toll of political life. His experiences reveal a democracy riddled with cronyism, ignorance, and incompetence, with individual politicians paving the way for today's political and economic instability. Amidst the political turbulence, Stewart’s affection for his constituency of Penrith and the Border remains unwavering, offering him solace and grounding in an otherwise chaotic career.

Infused with dark humour and unyielding honesty, Politics On the Edge invites readers into the mind of one of the most interesting politicians of our time. Stewart provides a gripping and poignant critique of contemporary politics, his narrative filled with the absurdities and challenges of parliamentary life. This masterful work, instantly hailed as a classic, presents an astonishing and invaluable portrait of an era marked by populism and global conflict.