Research

No. 10: The Geography of Power at Downing Street

Book on the history of No.10 Downing Street and the building’s impact on office of Prime Minister, based on research conducted as Researcher in Residence at No.10

Heroes or Villains?: The Blair Government Reconsidered

Drawing on new contributions from most of the main players in the Blair government, including Tony Blair himself, Jon Davis and John Rentoul reconsider the history and common view of New Labour against its record of delivering moderate social democracy. They show how New Labour was not one party but two, and how it essentially governed as a coalition, much like the government that followed it.

If You Build it, They Will Come: The Role of Individuals in the Emergence of Canary Wharf, 1985–1987

The article argues that the emergence of Canary Wharf was far from inevitable; in fact, it seemed almost inconceivable in the buildup to its announcement.

Reforming Britain’s Public Services – The Art of Delivery: Sir Michael Barber and the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit 2001 to 2005

This PhD thesis examines how the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit, a seemingly common-sense mechanism created by Sir Michael Barber in 2001 and led by him through to 2005, proved to be quietly transformative. The Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit was set up to monitor and accelerate the delivery of Prime Minister Tony Blair’s public service reform priorities. This research was conducted using Michael Barber’s private, unpublished, handwritten diaries from his time in government as well as interviews with key Cabinet ministers, civil servants and special advisers.

Margaret Thatcher and No.10

Men of Secrets: The Cabinet Secretaries

The London Docklands Development Corporation under Reg Ward and the Emergence of Canary Wharf: 1981-87

PhD thesis investigating the London Docklands Development Corporation, the emergence of the Canary Wharf development and the wider regeneration of London Docklands

Prime Ministers and Whitehall 1960-74

The study of prime ministers and the reforms of British central government from 1960-1974