Taken As Red

How Labour Won Big and the Tories Crashed the Party

Description

How Labour took power, how the Tories lost it, and what to expect

'Taken As Red stands out for its balance and the depth of its reporting' The Guardian

'Revelatory and insightful.' Tim Shipman

Featuring exclusive interviews with more than 100 political insiders including Rachel Reeves, Wes Streeting, Kwasi Kwarteng and NIgel Farage.

In Taken As Red 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, Taken As Red 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.

About the author(s)

Anushka Asthana is deputy political editor at ITV News. Previously the Guardian's political editor and host of the Today in Focus podcast, she has also been senior political correspondent at Sky News, and before that chief political correspondent and columnist at The Times. Shortlisted for political journalist of the year by the Press Gazette in 2023, she can be found on X as @AnushkaAsthana.

Reviews

'The most thoroughly researched account of the last five years. Asthana has written a balanced, thoughtful narrative that reflects opinions both within and between the parties. A must-read.' The Guardian

'Labour’s landslide election win caps a revelatory and insightful account of the Starmer project which proves that Anushka Asthana is one of the best-connected journalists in Westminster.' Tim Shipman

‘Anushka Asthana's storytelling, contacts and analysis are second to none. This is an unmissable political book.’ Robert Peston

'Interesting reading for all armchair politicians.' The Sun *****

‘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.’ Katharine Viner

'You won’t find a more meticulously researched account of the election.' Paul Brand

'A brilliant woman and journalist – and now author.' Pippa Crerar

'Impeccable analysis and access told with humanity by a journalist who has it all.' Daniel Hewitt

‘What makes this book really interesting is it shows how a campaign feels to a journalist when the cameras are off – and Anushka Asthana is certainly one of Westminster’s better journalists.’ Tom Baldwin

‘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.’ Esme Wren

‘Anushka writes with authority, ease, warmth and intellect. A masterful interviewer, and an utterly brilliant storyteller.’ Charlene White

‘Speaking with Anushka, hearing the empathy and warmth in her voice, was the most reassured I have ever felt by a reporter. A great reporter who has written a great book.’ Janet Skinner, Post Office scandal victim

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