<p><b>BOOK OF THE YEAR, <i>The Times, </i><i>Guardian </i>and <i>Prospect</i></b><br><br><b>''Fascinating and instructive...</b><b> his decency and pragmatism shine through.'' <i>The Times</i></b><br><b>''C</b><b>andid, valuable and insightful.'' <i>Observer</i><br></b><br>Since the EU referendum of 2016, British politics has witnessed a barrage of crises, resignations and general elections. Theresa May''s premiership was the most turbulent of all. In her darkest hour, following the disastrous 2017 election, she turned to Gavin Barwell to help restore her battered authority. He would become her chief of staff for the next two years - a period punctuated by Brexit negotiations, domestic tragedy, and intense political drama.<br><br>In this gripping insider memoir, Barwell reveals what really went on in the corridors of power - and sheds a vital light on May, the most inscrutable of modern prime ministers. He was by her side when she met Donald Trump, heard about the poisoning of the Skri