Chief of Staff: Notes from Downing Street 'Fascinating' The Times

As a book, probably one for politics nerds or those with an interest in learning more about the Brexit shenanagins and political manoeuvring towards the end of the May administration. May unsurprisingly comes out of it with credit, but then this book is written by an acolyte.The occasional typo made me wish for a better proof reader, and there were occasional longeurs, for me at least. Nonetheless an intriguing account of some politically interesting and turbulent times.

Gavin Barwell give a good account of his time in Downing st.Brexit particularly takes a lot of the book up,As it should.But Theresa May was the architect of the policy that caught the Windrush generation the full horror of which is difficult to read.Deprived of services, jobs,state aid these legitimate UK citizens were treated viciously and uncaringly some deported by the state.And many are still awaiting compensation! . And during her time in office[and Cameron too] the Post office corrosive, unlawful and brutal campaign sent many postmasters to prison who were totally innocent of invented charges of fraud.Government ministers had oversight of the post office but did not enquire too much during the process even tho' the prosecution nos were dramatically increasing:now there is proper judge led inquiry.None of that is mentioned in Barwells book.It is to be hoped that post Office Management,ministers and Civil servants if found guilty face criminal prosecution.But even so they will not suffer the outrages and for some postmasters,suicide that these prosecutions brought about. The best Civil Service in the world is often the boast .It can be and was here the most uncaring ,cold and indifferent to justice.

Theresa May will go down in history not just because she was the second female Prime Minister but because she oversaw most of the Brexit negotiations.Many will argue that she failed at the latter, and this would be a view that is hard to argue against. However, she never had a chance at success and was handed a poisoned chalice. The moment the early election was called and her majority reduced, the writing was on the wall.This account gives a behind the scenes peep as to what it was like at the heart of government during this turbulent time.While May's premiership was mainly devoted to Brexit, it was somewhat repetitive. I would have liked a bit more insight into other government workings.

Informed and insightful study of no 10 under Theresa May, but useful for any PM period I would think; very well written and seemingly quite balanced.

An interesting insight into the workings of UK politics from a view within.You feel that sometimes Gavin Barwell underplays his role, but better that than blatant trumpet blowing.

Fearing another glossy bout of self justification, I am delighted by the candour and honesty of Gavin Barwell. This memoir records failure of political strategy with integrity and subtle analysis.

Really well written and interesting insight into the way Westminster works. Obviously defends May and threads very carefully around some of the characters that were involved in the Brexit stalemate. You feel he could have been a lot more critical of some of those involved, but that doesn't detract from the book

Factual. Jumps around.