Alan Beith: A View from the North: Life, Politics and Faith Seen From England's Northernmost Constituency

Today’s MPs are often thought to be trapped in a London-centred view of life and to lack any “hinterland” of life beyond politics, and any fundamental beliefs, but this book looks at political life from a northern perspective. Starting in the Manchester area and following the author's 35 years as MP for England’s northernmost constituency and a leading figure in the Liberal Democrats, the book cover key stages in the party’s growth, including the 1970s Lib-Lab pact and Paddy Ashdown’s leadership, as well as what the philosophy of Liberalism is all about. His experiences overseeing Britain’s intelligence and security services over more than a decade are presented and the need to make parliament more effective is outlined. Alan Beith has been an MP for England's northernmost constituency for 35 years and is a leading figure in the Liberal Democrats. His book covers key stages in his party's growth, including the 1970s Lib-Lab pact and Paddy Ashdown's leadership, and also what the philosophy of Liberalism is all about. He writes about his work overseeing Britain's intelligence and security services over more than a decade, and how faith has helped him through dark times with the deaths of his first wife, Barbara, and his son, Chris