Alan Beith: A View From The North

Alan's book looks at political life, starting with his origins in the Manchester area and following 35 years as an MP and leading figure in the Liberal Democrats.

The book covers key stages in his party's growth, including the 1970s Lib-Lab pact, Paddy Ashdown's leadership, and the philosophy of Liberalism. He writes about his work overseeing Britain's intelligence and security services for more than a decade, and the need to make Parliament more effective.

A Methodist lay preacher, Alan analyses the sometimes uneasy relationships between church and politics, and traces the role religion has played in northern life. He writes of how faith has helped him through dark times with the deaths of his first wife, Barbara, and his son Chris.

"Alan Beith is of course a respected and admired Parliamentarian. More importantly he is also a man of unusual warmth and compassion. His 35 years in Parliament have been distinguished and inspiring. Alan has been a voice of reason, faith and liberalism. This account of his life representing England's most northern constituency provides fascinating reading for anyone interested in contemporary politics as seen through the eyes of an exceptional figure".

Nick Clegg MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats

You can purchase a copy of Alan Beith's book from the Well Read Bookshop - follow this link and enter "Beith" in the search box.