'A great and easy read': Lord German reviews 'Rivals in the Storm'
May 1916: David Lloyd George with British Tommies | Image by: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo
3 min read
An eminently written biography of the last Liberal prime minister, Damian Collins has produced an insightful and balanced study of the ‘Welsh Wizard’
Rivals in the Storm takes us through the three most distinctive periods in the political life of David Lloyd George: winning control of the government; winning the First World War; and losing his party. In detailing these three very significant episodes in British history, the author, former MP Damian Collins, allows the reader to make comparisons with subsequent political events many decades later.
The book is eminently well-written, sprinkled with quotations that provide direct insights into the minds of the key players in this political drama. An early example is from Austen Chamberlain: Lloyd George “doesn’t run crooked because he wants to but because he doesn’t know how to run straight”. This from a political opponent but, when interpreted in a positive way, helps us to understand Lloyd George as an incredible strategist and his approach to the challenges facing the country in and around the First World War.
The author takes us through these challenges in a balanced way, through munitions to shells, to the ministry – coalition – and then conscription. The political conflicts on the way are examined in depth, including the antagonism to Lord Kitchener’s conduct of the war, and Lloyd George’s relationship with HH Asquith.
The steps to his becoming prime minister provide an insider’s view of events. They track the fault lines in the inability of the government to control the conduct of the war effort in the early years and, critically, the overlap between political oversight and government decision making. The author gives us the impression of Lloyd George as a strategic schemer, rather than a devious interventionist. It is Lloyd George’s strong sense of direction which drives him forward, not the personal reward of reaching the pinnacle. This is the ‘Welsh Wizard’ at work.
Collins relates the role and influence of the press barons with clarity. Public opinion was shaped by the positions they took. The manoeuvrings taking place at 2a Abbey Gardens also shine an important light on Lloyd George’s route into the position of prime minister and his role thereafter. This house is also of historic significance as Parliament has only recently given up its tenancy of the building.
The author tells of Lloyd George’s skill and enjoyment of making the peace after the war – but also of his neglect of the political markers needed at home to achieve his goal of creating a centre party in Great Britain.
There are several lessons for the future arising from the matters explored in this book. Political realignment is almost out of reach within our electoral system, and divided parties do not win elections. Also strong individual leaders, with great powers of communication with the public, are a requirement in times of war. But there may be a swift fall at the end. Compare that with the role of Winston Churchill. Whilst unsaid in the book, it is an obvious corollary.
Collins’ book is a great and easy read, laying out in clear terms the three milestones of our history. In particular I love the quotation from Lord Esher on p167 that “politics is a tournament and not a battle”. Wise words we should remember.
Lord German is a Liberal Democrat peer
Rivals in the Storm: How Lloyd George Seized Power, Won the War and Lost his Government
By: Damian Collins
Publisher: Bloomsbury Continuum
