The Prime Ministers We Never Had: Success and Failure from Butler to Corbyn

By Steve Richards

BOOK OF THE YEAR, The Times, Guardian and Prospect

Was Harold Wilson a bigger figure than Denis Healey? Was John Major more 'prime ministerial' than Michael Heseltine? Would David Miliband have become prime minister if it were not for his brother Ed? Would Ed have become prime minister if it were not for David? How close did Jeremy Corbyn come to being prime minister?

In this piercing and original study, journalist and commentator Steve Richards looks at eleven prime ministers we never had, examining what made each of these illustrious figures unique and why they failed to make the final leap to the very top. Combining astute insights into the demands of leadership with compelling historical analysis, this fascinating exploration of failure and success sheds new light on some of the most compelling characters in British public life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Atlantic Books
• Release date: Sep 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781838952433

Steve Richards

Steve Richards was born and raised in South Wales. He was imbued with the Welsh love of language from an early age. At school he was torn between his love of English, literature and storytelling and his aptitude for mathematics and physics. He chose the latter and enjoyed an interesting professional life, firstly as a civil engineer working on major transport projects and later as a technical advisor to the European Investment Bank in Luxembourg. Throughout his working years he tried hard to keep his creative side alive, using the small gaps a busy career offers to write short stories and articles on subjects close to his heart. He also pursued private study of psychology and on retirement took the masters level course he had always dreamed of completing. In retirement he spends most of his time on voluntary work with young people, particularly disadvantaged teenagers: working with boys to encourage alternative and positive models of masculinity; working in schools to improve sex and relationship education; and with young offenders undertaking community service. He is married to Anne who helps him cope with life and has the dubious honour of being the first to read everything he writes. He is not a professional counsellor or therapist but offers something which those professionals may lack - lived experience. He has suffered from depression since his late twenties but has lived a fulfilling and happy life and hopes to do so for many years to come.