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Always Red cover art

Always Red

By: Len McCluskey
Narrated by: Len McCluskey
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Summary

Len McCluskey is the standout trade unionist of his era. Head of the giant Unite union for more than a decade, he is a unique and powerful figure on the political stage. In this major autobiography, McCluskey throws back the curtains on life at the top of the Labour movement - with explosive revelations about his dealings with Keir Starmer, the behind-the-scenes battles of the Corbyn era, his secret Brexit negotiations with Theresa May’s government, the spectacular bust-up with his former friend Tom Watson, and his tortuous relationship with Ed Miliband. 

McCluskey is no run-of-the-mill trade union leader. Fiercely political and unflinchingly left wing, he is a true workers’ leader. His politics were formed in Liverpool at a time of dock strikes, the Beatles, and the May 1968 revolution in Paris. An eyewitness to the Hillsborough tragedy, he recounts in harrowing detail searching for his son. Witty and sharp, McCluskey delivers a powerful intervention, issuing a manifesto for the future of trade unionism and urging the left not to lose sight of class politics. A central player in a tumultuous period of British political history, McCluskey’s account is an essential - and entertaining - record of our times.

©2021 Len McCluskey (P)2021 Len McCluskey

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Great book

Great book by a great man a must read for anyone who cares about the society they live in

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Inspirational

I have loved listening to this book spoken by Len in his own inimitable way. His delivery and performance make it seem like a conversation in your front room with an old friend. His journey from boy to man and the events that shaped him have been a fascinating insight into Red Len. I hope everyone who reads or listens to this book find inspiration and the courage and determination to carry the flame of workers solidarity forward.

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Always Red - Insightful & Inspiring

Always Red, narrated by Len McCluskey gives a fascinating insight into the life of Len, the birth of Unite the Union, and behind the scenes revelations surrounding the leadership of the Labour Party, and Jeremy Corbyn’s inspiring campaign to reform the UK into a socialist ‘for the many’ society.

This book is both inspiring & inspiring.

5 Stars all around.

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Loved it .

Grateful to Len for writing, and reading it. Happy to be on the same side.

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inspired!

...... but he always did, it just needed to be sooner. Solidarity - You'll Never Walk Alone

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Great book and very well narrated

The was the first audio book that I was able to finish because I’ve struggled with some narrators who are difficult to listen to. Len’s soft soulful Scouse accent helped and also the substance within the book was really interesting . Len clearly provided vital support to the Corbyn project and is a very honourable person unlike some of the many hostile characters in the labour and trade union movement. I think this is the type of book that politically engaged people who have centre right politics could read and find interesting but would just be unreadable for those on right of the Labour Party who just find the left annoying, people who think that pragmatism is using whatever they can to smear and undermine their political opponents, even if that includes the weaponisation of racism.
I doubt Len can still understand why these people are anywhere near the Labour Party let alone running it.

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Great insight into events

very interesting wish there was more details when it came to Grangemouth though. definitely worth a read/listen will keep an eye out for any further books

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inspiring and sincere

ok I admit that I'm an unreconstructed Bennite who, like Len, was thrilled when Corbyn took over as Labour leader - and deeply disappointed when the members chose Starmer and Rayner over Long Bailey and Burgoyne. Also I should own that I'm a member of Unite and consider it to be the doyen of trade unions. So I start with a prejudice in favour of the McClusky approach to industrial relations. But even if I were coming fresh to this book, innocent of left wing UK politics, I think I'd find him persuasive and honest. The book is heartfelt, open and incredibly upfront. It is the story of a woorking class man's journey from youth in and around the Liverpool docks to being the lead voice of our time for progressive politics in the UK. An incredible leap, made by a gifted, strongminded individual who has had a huge influence on working people's lives, both directly and indirectly. I agree with every word he says. Thank you Len McClusky. You are an absolute beacon of clear thinking and pungent insight . Thank you for your hard work, determination and guts. thanks, in fact, for everything.

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tried this expecting to return it for a refund

this book is well written and well read; very informative and ultimately difficult to put down!

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