A Better Ambition
Confessions of a Faithful Liberal
Format:Hardback
Publisher:SPCK Publishing
Published:3rd Sep '19
Should be back in stock very soon
Tim Farron’s account of his involvement in the turbulent politics of recent years offers a wealth of insight into life at the top of a major political party and the prospects for true liberalism in Britain today.
‘I am passionate about my country and angry at the mendacity that has led to the appalling situation in which the UK and our people are heading for relative poverty and insignificance while our politics is offering bitter, unpalatable extremes. There has to be something better. In the absence of something better, we will have to build it.’ Tim Farron Writing with warmth, humour and compelling honesty, Tim Farron charts his rise to the leadership of the Liberal Democrats – from his childhood in Preston to his central role during the Conservative–Lib Dem coalition of 2010–15. Farron speaks openly about his role as Party President and the intense experience of leading his party through the 2016 EU referendum and the snap general election of 2017. He also reflects on the scrutiny he received because of his religious beliefs. So, having reached the top of his career, what made him voluntarily relinquish that honour? What does Tim Farron’s experience mean for those who hold to a liberal vision? Are there lessons to be learned about the role of religion in public life? And what are the prospects for true liberalism in the UK today?
‘Tim Farron tells a fascinating story of family, football, faith, music and politics. It is a story about private and public, highs and lows, passion, pressure and pain . . . Many of us can learn from this book. I am certain that, with gratitude, many will.’ * Sir Simon Hughes, former Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats and Minister of State for Justice and Civil Liberties, 2013–15 *
‘Those who know Tim Farron personally will not be surprised by this book. They know his anger at injustice and his generosity of spirit at first hand. I would recommend this book to anyone who knows him only from headlines. You may not agree with everything he says, but you will be a whole lot wiser.’ * Andy Flannagan, Executive Director, Christians in Politics *
‘Tim Farron knows better than anyone the stresses and challenges of leading a party in the febrile politics of our time. But this is not a conventional political biography. It reveals in frank and courageous detail the acute conflict between political loyalty and religious commitment.’ * Sir Menzies Campbell, Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats *
‘A provocative read for many in politics who would rather all politicians thought the same.’ * Isabel Hardman, Assistant Editor, The Spectator *
‘Refreshingly frank, humble, faithful and full of grace.’ * David Burrowes, former Conservative MP for Enfield Southgate *
ISBN: 9780281083589
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 632g
304 pages