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Speaking Out

Lessons in Life and Politics

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About this listen

On the night of 7 May 2015, Ed Balls thought there was a chance he would wake up the next morning as the new Chancellor of the Exchequer. Instead he woke up without a job.

For two decades he had occupied a central position within Labour, rising from adviser to Cabinet Minister during the years in power and Shadow Chancellor in Opposition. Throughout one of the most tumultuous periods in recent British history, he made a point of speaking out, whatever the consequences. But on that May morning, he was silenced.

Speaking Out is a record of a life in politics but also much more. It is about how power can be used for good and the lessons to be learned when things go wrong. It is about the mechanics of Westminster and of government. It is about facing up to your fears and misgivings and tackling your limitations - on stages public and private.

It is about the mistakes made, change delivered and personalities encountered over the course of two decades at the front line of British politics. It is a unique window into a rarely seen world. Most importantly, it explains what politics is about and why it matters.

©2016 Ed Balls (P)2016 Random House Audiobooks Elections & Political Process Europe Great Britain Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government World England Inspiring Thought-Provoking Socialism
All stars
Most relevant
A must read for anyone with an interest in the political history of Britain over the last quarter of a century.

A frank, at times very personal, look at the author's own career; Balls explains his thinking at the time and now with hindsight on some of the most important events in modern British politics; from Clause 4 to Brexit.

Must listen

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This book has surprised me by restoring to some extent my faith in politics. At a time when the new normal includes lying, and cheating your way to power it is so refreshing to be reminded that there are people with principles out there. Regardless of whether you agree with his politics Ed Balls shows himself here to be a decent, honourable, intelligent, thoughtful human being and these are traits which are sadly in short supply just now. An enjoyable and sometimes even funny listen, all the more surprising as I didn't mean to buy it, having wrongly thought that I had clicked on the Buy Now button for John Bercow's new book! I was going to return it without reading it but I'm glad that I decided to give it a go.

what a nice guy!

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I really enjoyed it a great insight into the Blair/Brown years and beyond, as well as the reality of being a Labour MP.

Learned about Ed and about politics

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Where does Speaking Out rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

A frank account of life before, in and after politics. This rates as one of the most interesting audio books I have heard so far.

What other book might you compare Speaking Out to, and why?

Similar to other political biographies from Blair, Brown etc although this had a more humanistic approach.

What about Ed Balls’s performance did you like?

Good if a little frenetic at times.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes and it made me thoughtful.

Any additional comments?

Overall a very enjoyable and entertaining read.

Ed Balls - The Person

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If you couldn't stand this man when he was in politics, as I couldn't, all the more reason to listen. Ironically, I'd have him back in politics in an instant in 2017. Bit late now...

How I misjudged this politician

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