Graham Brady's "Kingmaker": Unveiling Tory Leadership Secrets

In his revealing autobiography "Kingmaker," Graham Brady, former chairman of the influential 1922 Committee, offers unprecedented insights into the inner workings of Conservative Party leadership. Brady's tenure, spanning from David Cameron's rise to Rishi Sunak's premiership, provides a unique perspective on one of the most turbulent periods in recent British political history.

Brady's observations on Rishi Sunak paint a picture of a leader with "very little ego." He recounts a pivotal moment in April 2022 when Sunak, then Chancellor, sought Brady's advice on whether to resign after receiving a fixed penalty notice for his involvement in the Partygate scandal. This incident highlights Sunak's introspective approach to leadership, contrasting with some of his predecessors.

The fall of Boris Johnson is meticulously detailed, with Brady revealing that Johnson faced a no-confidence vote in June 2022 after receiving 54 letters from Tory MPs. Brady describes Johnson's reluctance to step down, even on the eve of his resignation, citing unfinished commitments and his electoral mandate. However, Brady advised that staying on would not be in the best interest of the country, party, or Johnson himself.

"It's this stupid f—king two-metre rule, we're going to review it – we'll sort it. It's these f—king scientists!"

Brady offers critical insights into Johnson's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, describing his decision-making as hampered by a "desire to be loved and to be popular." He reveals Johnson's inconsistent stance on lockdown measures and his relationship with scientific advisers.

The book also sheds light on David Cameron and George Osborne's leadership, with Brady suggesting a certain level of snobbery towards state-educated colleagues. He recounts a particularly telling incident where Osborne dismissively referred to Brady as "a grammar school boy" in conversation with a Labour minister.

Brady's account of Theresa May's premiership focuses on her struggles with Brexit negotiations and eventual resignation. He describes May as "dedicated to duty" but also "wooden" and "awkward," competing with her team for credit.

The short-lived tenure of Liz Truss is also covered, with Brady detailing her final days in office. He describes finding Truss "looking drained and almost broken" as her premiership unraveled following the disastrous mini-budget of September 2022.

Reflecting on the succession of prime ministers, Brady concludes, "What we ended up with was the worst prime ministers in the wrong order." He speculates on how different leaders might have handled various crises, suggesting that Boris Johnson might have secured a quick Brexit deal immediately after the referendum, while Theresa May might have taken a more rational approach to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brady's "Kingmaker" offers a rare glimpse into the machinations of power at the highest levels of British politics, providing valuable insights for those seeking to understand the complexities of leadership during tumultuous times.