In his review of "All to Play for: The Advance of Rishi Sunak" by Michael Ashcroft, George Parker delves into the central theme of the book—a portrayal of a politician striving to make principled decisions. Ashcroft's latest work offers a unique perspective, suggesting that it may provide a much-needed morale boost for Rishi Sunak.
While some political analysts express doubts about Sunak's prospects as a Prime Minister, Ashcroft remains cautiously optimistic. The title of the book, "All to Play For," encapsulates its essence. Ashcroft argues that the nation could potentially re-elect a leader who, as depicted in the book, is characterized by unwavering dedication, intelligence, and principles while occupying 10 Downing Street.
Ashcroft envisions an election campaign with a presidential flair, where Sunak showcases himself as more dynamic, experienced, and a superior communicator compared to Sir Keir Starmer. The pivotal question posed is, "Who will garner the favor of the majority of the British public?"
It's worth noting that while Sunak maintains greater popularity than his party, his personal approval ratings have recently plummeted, reaching their lowest point since assuming the role of Prime Minister, with nearly two-thirds of voters expressing an unfavorable view of him.
Ashcroft's latest publication serves as an updated version of his 2020 book, "Going for Broke: The Rise of Rishi Sunak." This revised edition brings readers up to speed with Sunak's role in Boris Johnson's political decline, his loss in the Tory leadership race to Liz Truss, and his eventual ascent to Downing Street.
Drawing insights from acquaintances of Sunak and insiders within the government, Ashcroft challenges the notion that Boris Johnson orchestrated a deliberate plan to dethrone Sunak. Instead, he suggests that Johnson's own actions led to his downfall. Ashcroft tantalizingly hints at the possibility that someone within Johnson's inner circle leaked information to the media regarding Sunak's wife's non-dom status.
Although Ashcroft concludes that such claims are unsubstantiated, it's noteworthy that other sources, such as Ben Riley-Smith's book "The Right to Rule," adopt a more skeptical stance on the matter.
The overarching theme of Ashcroft's book remains the portrayal of a politician who prioritizes fiscal responsibility and makes decisions for the long-term benefit of Britain, even if it exposes him to criticism as a high-tax, big-state chancellor.
Ashcroft's quest to define "Sunakism" and answer the fundamental question of Sunak's vision for the future of Britain in the 21st century remains somewhat elusive throughout the nearly 500 pages of the book. However, it is acknowledged that Sunak entered Downing Street following the tumultuous Liz Truss premiership with a commitment to deliver tangible results, recognizing that voters desired action over mere political promises.
Expectations are set for greater clarity to emerge at the Conservative conference in Manchester, where Tory MPs hope their leader can demonstrate that there is still much at stake, echoing the sentiment that it is "all to play for."
George Parker, the political editor of The Financial Times, offers this insightful review of "All to Play for: The Advance of Rishi Sunak" by Michael Ashcroft, published by Biteback. The book provides a unique perspective on Rishi Sunak's political journey and aspirations.
