Taken As Red, Anushka Asthana
Taken As Red, Anushka Asthana
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Taken As Red

Author: Anushka Asthana

Narrator: Anushka Asthana

Unabridged: 10 hr 26 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: HarperNorth

Published: 09/26/2024


Synopsis

How Labour took power and what they're doing with it ' stands out for its balance and the depth of its reporting' 'Revelatory and insightful.' Tim Shipman In acclaimed political journalist Anushka Asthana takes us behind the scenes of the 2024 general election campaign. As the political landscape undergoes a seismic shift, this gripping account provides an unprecedented insider’s perspective on the inner workings of Keir Starmer’s Labour and Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives, and the events of this high-stakes electoral contest as it unfolded. With unparalleled access to key players and exclusive insights, it delves into the strategic decisions, campaign dynamics and unexpected twists that defined the election. From the battle bus to the corridors of power, Asthana analyses just how the result came about. Was it evidence of Labour’s strategic brilliance or the inevitable result of a spiralling decline of trust in the Tories? And what of Reform’s role? Lively, analytical and compelling, reveals the calculated gambles and innovative strategies at play, and the people behind them. And in doing so, it looks forward as well as back. Featuring exclusive interviews with more than 100 political insiders including Rachel Reeves, Wes Streeting, Kwasi Kwarteng and Nigel Farage.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Stephen on October 30, 2024

detailed and informative look at the 2024 general elections with events leading up to it with Labour defeat in 2019 on brexit. enjoyed reading this book.......more

Goodreads review by Jacob on October 28, 2024

A brilliant insider account of the turbulent times in the lead up to the 2024 election campaign, with insights into both the Conservative and Labour camps and with first-hand access to the key individuals involved. Asthana offers prescient analysis alongside the narrative, allowing the reader to und......more

Goodreads review by David Manclark on October 07, 2024

Balanced (without bias) An excellent read. In everyday language we can all understand. A non biased study of Labour and Starmers 2024 election victory. I found every page interesting and informative......more

Goodreads review by Andrew on February 13, 2025

A creditably even-handed, fast-paced and well-sourced account of everything from the last few months of Jeremy Corbyn's leadership, right up to the first days of Keir Starmer's Labour government, this crams a lot of information and events into a short, readable narrative. As an ITV political correspo......more

Goodreads review by Mike on December 02, 2024

Hot taken: Anoushka Asthana is a welcome counterbalance to the boys’ brigade vibe of ITV’s political coverage, even if it’s a struggle to make her voice heard on occasion when round the podcast table with Peston, Tom Bradby, Shehab Khan et al. Taken As Red is something of an as-it-happens account of......more


Quotes

'A balanced, thoughtful narrative that reflects opinions both within and between the parties. A must-read.' 'A revelatory and insightful account. Asthana is one of the best-connected journalists in Westminster.' ‘The swiftest “first draft of history” to land, a comprehensive exploration into everything that led to Keir Starmer marching into Downing Street … Packed with detail and meticulously sourced. … An invaluable resource.’ ‘Anushka Asthana's storytelling, contacts and analysis are second to none. This is an unmissable political book.’ 'Interesting reading for all armchair politicians.' ‘Anushka knows all the key players intimately, but never forgets that the most important thing is to understand the voters. With her expertise, insight and empathy, plus her tenacious reporting skills, there are few journalists better placed to write this book.’ 'You won’t find a more meticulously researched account of the election.' 'A brilliant woman and journalist – and now author.' ‘A superb account of recent political history … Essential reading.’ 'Impeccable analysis and access told with humanity by a journalist who has it all.' ‘What makes this book really interesting is it shows how a campaign feels to a journalist when the cameras are off.’ ‘One of the best political reporters out there – as comfortable delivering top-level analysis from Westminster as she is reporting human stories around the country. This book is a must-read.’ ‘Anushka writes with authority, ease, warmth and intellect. A masterful interviewer, and an utterly brilliant storyteller.’ 'Full of telling descriptive points … provides as thorough an account of Labour’s election victory as you’re likely to find.’ ‘A vividly written page-turner. … All students of Starmerism would do well to examine this book closely and take heed.’