'Journalists often write mid-flight biographies of politicians on the basis that one day they might become prime minister, generally they are worth a read, but few of them are likely to stand the test of time. Baldwin’s book is an exception; as well as being very well written, he obtained considerable access and he presents a compelling picture of what Starmer is like, and in particular how he was brought up. If you admire Starmer, you should definitely read it. And if you don’t like him, you should read it anyway, because he could be PM for the next 10 years and it may be a very long time before anyone produces a better or fairer account of what makes him tick'
ANDREW SPARROW, GUARDIAN
'It tells us much we need to know about the man who will be prime minister… The access is so comprehensive and his subject so uncharacteristically candid that exploring this private world can almost feel prurient… At times it is unclear whether Starmer grasps the significance of what he has done in cooperating with this biography’
PATRICK MAGUIRE, THE TIMES
'This story, told with sensitivity and simplicity, offers readers an insight into the question voters across Britain will ask this year: who really is our possible next prime minister? The picture painted of Sir Keir’s motivations and make-up is skillfully done, with all the nuance kept in; [it will] engage any reader hoping to understand the man who may be running Britain come the end of the year'
BEN RILEY-SMITH, DAILY TELEGRAPH
‘A fair minded, unflashy biography…[of] our next serious Prime Minister. Watch this space. Attlee may have some competition’
ROBERT MCCRUM, INDEPENDENT
‘If you want to understand what drives the man who would lead Britain, start here – sharp, smart and illuminating'
EMILY MAITLIS