Five Year Mission

This crisp and penetrating analysis shines new light on Labour's striving for the historically near-impossible - a return to power after just one term in opposition. Ed Miliband as potential prime minister emerges as a new figure, under-examined in the cacophony of his detractors. A gripping read, Bale balances sharp style and insight with invaluable research rigour. * Polly Toynbee, The Guardian *
[Bale has] mapped every twist in Miliband's journey without getting lost in the labyrinth. * Rafael Behr, The Guardian *
In this detailed account of Miliband's five-year leadership Tim Bale [...] charts the strategic calculations, the compromises and the endless triangulation between boldness and caution that have resulted in the electorate still having no clear idea of what the Labour party stands for or whom it is appealing to ... Bale's month-by-month reminder of every speech, promise, gaffe, clarification and forgotten mini-crisis of the past five years graphically illustrates the depressing pettiness, obsessive poll-watching and point-scoring that is the stuff of modern politics. * John Campbell, The Independent *
Tim Bale has written an authoritative and revelatory account of Ed Miliband's Leadership, one that challenges a number of fashionable assumptions. He also casts much needed light on the wider Labour Party after its fall from power in 2010. The book is a must read for all those who want to understand what a Miliband led government might be like. * Steve Richards, The Independent *
A superb overview of the past five years of Labour's history, offering an unequalled sense of perspective on Ed Miliband's ambiguous record as Leader of the Opposition. This book will be the starting point for all future historians as they seek to understand the 2015 election, which promises to be one of the most fascinating contests of modern times. * John Rentoul, The Independent on Sunday *
In Five Year Mission, Tim Bale seals his reputation as Britain's finest political scholar. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand Ed Miliband's strategy, record and claim to be Prime Minister. Bale's command of policy, personality and their inter-action is exemplary. A superb book. * Matthew d'Ancona, The Guardian and the Evening Standard *
Excellent. Tim Bale rises above the daily political frenzy with this extremely shrewd, insightful and considered assessment. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Labour's journey under Ed Miliband. * Andrew Rawnsley, Associate Editor and Chief Political Commentator, The Observer *
Incisive and authoritative. * Andrew Sparrow, The Guardian politics blog *
The book will remain a useful first-stop to this period in Labour's history. * Stephen Bush, The New Statesman blog *
Tim Bale gives us a detailed, insightful and at times riveting account of Ed Miliband's failed attempt to revive Labour's electoral fortunes following the 2010 electoral defeat and the demise of New Labour. * LSE blog *
A comprehensive study ... Bale's account contains important lessons for Labour's future; this book is required reading for policymakers and politicos alike. * Chartist *
An absorbing, narrative account of Miliband's ascent. * Stephen Tall blog *
[An] excellent book. * Palatinate *
Lucid, engaging and fair commentary. * Book reviews and Randomness *
The worst day in government is better than the best day in opposition. As leader of the opposition, Ed Miliband has one job - to get Labour back into government. Tim Bale vividly analyses the complexity and challenges of this job describing the people, policies and events which help and hinder the mission. It is a roller coaster political ride. * Jacqui Smith *
Tim Bale's account of Ed Miliband's leadership of Labour is comprehensive and authoritative - an essential guide to understanding the 2015 general election. * Charles Clarke *
A book worth reading and referring to ... 5 out of 5. * Mark Pack *