In a remarkable political career that spanned more than half a century, Lord Alport of Colchester was at the heart of British politics. From Member of Parliament to minister, from diplomat to peer, the story of Alport's career is a fascinating inside account of party politics, political machinations, and Britain finding a new role in the world. As "Rab" Butler's right-hand man; founder of the hugely influential "One Nation" group; Minister for Commonwealth Relations; British High Commissioner in the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland at the height of Britain's struggle with its imperial past; and throughout the Thatcher and Major administrations a formidable critic of the party he had served since 1936, Alport's biography provides an assessment not just of the political fortunes of one man but of the Conservative Party as a whole. Drawing on interviews with participants as well as extensive archival research the book is an important addition to the literature on postwar British politics and the history of the Conservative Party.

"Informative, well researched, and will be invaluable for future Tory historians. The author has an elegant use of language and a gift for never being dull."

Julia Langdon Source: Glasgow Herald