The Rebels: How Blair Mislaid His MajorityWhich anti-war MP told the Prime Minister to 'fuck off' when Blair asked him to vote with the government on Iraq? Why did former cabinet minister Nick Brown suddenly change his mind about tuition fees? What is the truth behind allegations of bribery and intimidation? Find out the answers to these questions and many more in Philip Cowley's new, in depth account of the battle between whips and rebels in Blair's first two terms. Britain' foremost expert on parliamentary rebellions, Cowley tells the inside story of the revolts on tuition fees, foundation hospitals and the Iraq war, and investigates when and how the whips intervene to keep MPs on message. Compiled from extensive research and interviews with rebels and whips alike, and published just before the 2005 general election, The Rebels looks set to be the most revealing political book of 2005. |
Contents
Herbert Dunnico and Dennis Skinner | 16 |
Jeremy Corbyn and Siôn Simon | 49 |
Of sheep and | 56 |
Copyright | |
17 other sections not shown
Common terms and phrases
1997 Parliament 2001 Parliament abstained abstentions argued backbench rebellion behaviour Bill's second reading Blair government Blunkett British Brown cent Chief Whip claimed Clarke cohesion concessions Conservative MPs constituency Corbyn David debate dissenting votes division lobbies example foundation hospitals Frank Dobson free votes government defeat government Whips government's majority Gwyneth Dunwoody Health Higher Education Bill Hilary Armstrong House of Commons intake Iraq issue Jeremy Corbyn John Labour backbenchers supported Labour government Labour MPs supported Labour MPs voted Labour Party Labour rebels Labour whips leadership legislation Liberal Democrat Lords amendment ment MPs who rebelled November Oborne occasions Office opposition parliamentary party party line Philip Cowley political Prevention of Terrorism Prime Minister problems proposals reform report stage revolt Robin Cook Scottish second reading vote Select Committee session third reading Tony Blair top-up fees Tory vote of confidence whilst whip put