Seasoned political journalist Andrew Pierce, after four decades immersed in the corridors of power, unveils a candid and compelling account of his encounters with some of the most challenging figures in British government. His extensive career, beginning as an ambitious young reporter in 1988, has provided him with a unique vantage point on the diverse personalities inhabiting Parliament, from the diligently dedicated to the undeniably difficult.
Pierce’s professional initiation into the more abrasive side of Parliamentary figures began in 1983 with Sir Nicholas Ridley, a key architect of Margaret Thatcher’s ascent. A critical report on a housing development in Ridley’s constituency ignited a fiery response, showcasing the minister’s explosive temper and the precarious nature of early political journalism for Pierce.
Another memorable confrontation involved Labour MP George Foulkes. Pierce’s report on Foulkes’s public inebriation led to a physical altercation that, while humorous in retrospect, underscored the volatile environment faced by journalists seeking truth in Westminster politics. This incident, alongside others, highlighted the thin line between reporting and personal conflict.
The future Prime Minister, David Cameron, also features in Pierce’s early memoirs. An expensive lunch bill in 1990, impossible to expense, painted an early picture of Cameron’s casual disregard for fiscal details from a journalist’s perspective. Pierce, however, recounts a satisfying revenge years later, cementing a complex relationship with the then-rising star.
Perhaps one of the most unsettling encounters was with Alan Clark, a known philanderer and former defence minister. His bizarre and chilling invitation to his castle, coupled with literary insults, revealed a darker, more eccentric side of British government figures. Pierce’s journalistic pursuit often led him into morally ambiguous and personally challenging situations.
Michael Portillo’s political downfall in 1997, surprisingly, had roots in a seemingly minor story uncovered by Pierce: a controversial McDonald’s bid for a Conservative HQ. Despite menacing threats from Portillo, Andrew Pierce pursued the story, revealing financial ties that potentially alienated voters and contributed to one of the most iconic election night defeats.
The new Labour era brought confrontations with formidable spin doctors. Alastair Campbell’s aggressive reaction to a light-hearted story about Tony Blair’s father showcased the intense pressure exerted on journalists. Similarly, Peter Mandelson’s repeated attempts to have Pierce fired over a ‘harmless’ story illustrate the profound impact of political journalism on powerful personalities, even leading to an editor’s dismissal.
Even former Prime Minister Ted Heath displayed hostility towards Pierce, highlighting the disdain some established figures held for persistent reporting. Later, an encounter with MP Gerald Howarth, regarding gay rights legislation, exposed the deep-seated prejudices within Parliamentary figures, prompting a disturbing personal attack against Pierce for his journalistic stance.
More recently, Boris Johnson, in a characteristic display of disdain, publicly called Pierce a ‘miserable, simpering scuzzbucket’ over a leaked story. Yet, in a testament to the ever-shifting sands of Westminster politics, Johnson is now a colleague, illustrating the transient nature of grudges in the political sphere and the enduring legacy of Andrew Pierce’s candid memoirs on his remarkable career.
