ID: 2548
The 1922: The Story of the Conservative Backbenchers' Parliamentary Committee
GOODHART, Philip, with Ursula Branston
Category: First Edition
Place/Publisher/Date:
London, Macmillan. 1973.
Description:
First edition; 8vo; original boards and dust jacket. Signed by the author and 15 other members of the 1922 Committee on 5th December 1974. Signatures of Edward du Cann, Charles Morrison, Geoffrey Finsberg, John Biffen, Paul Bryan, Peter Morrison, Mark Carlisle, Nigel Fisher, David Walder, Bernard Braine, Godman Irvine, Airey Neave and three others. Additionally inscribed on the publication page " To Bernard - with gratitude for your guidance in exciting tomes - Gerry M." Bernard is likely to be Bernard Weatherill, later speaker of the House. Philip Goodhart (1925-2014) served a record 19 years as a secretary of the Conservative backbench 1922 Committee, and wrote its history. His study provided insight but was too discreet to be a definitive assessment of that highly influential body.on title page.(Independent Obituary). Following Edward Heath's defeat in the October 1974 election he resolved to remain Conservative leader, and at first it appeared that by calling on the loyalty of his front-bench colleagues he might prevail. In the weeks following the election defeat, Heath came under tremendous pressure to concede a review of the rules with the 1922 Committee and agreed to establish a commission to propose changes and to seek re-election. There was no clear challenger to Heath but Margaret Thatcher joined the leadership contest aided by Airey Neave's campaigning among backbench MPs — she emerged as the only serious challenger. A fine copy in a fine dust jacket with bookplate to front pastedown.
Price £850.00
