George Thomas, the former Labour Cabinet Minister and Speaker of the House of Commons, was the sycophant supreme of the British political system and arguably the most divisive figure in twentieth-century Welsh politics who, after his transformation from radical young socialist to Viscount Tonypandy - the fervent supporter of Margaret Thatcher and servile courtier to the Royal Family - was described by poet Nigel Jenkins as 'The Lord of Lickspit'. Drawing on previously unpublished material from Thomas' vast personal and political archive in the National Library of Wales, and interviews with many who knew him during his career, award-winning journalist Martin Shipton reveals the real George Thomas, the complex character behind the carefully crafted facade of the devout Christian, and discovers a number of surprising and shocking personae - which have previously been unknown, downplayed or overlooked - of this ultimate Political Chameleon, including: · The draft-dodger during the Second World War. · The Freemason. · The alcohol-drinking 'teetotaller'. · The erstwhile Communist who died a member of the Referendum Party · The betrayer of the people of Aberfan. · The master of patronage and fixer of Honours. · The 'confirmed bachelor' and devout Methodist lay-preacher who sought the company of 'rent boys'. Martin Shipton also investigates fresh evidence relating to recent allegations that Thomas sexually assaulted young men. This is the book his dwindling number of supporters feared and his political opponents have been waiting for. Political Chameleon reveals the real George Thomas.
Autorentext
Martin Shipton is Chief Reporter of the Western Mail.
Inhalt
Preface by Gwynoro Jones Introduction 1. The Servile Welshman 2. Mam's Boy and Left Wing Activist 3. George the Draft Dodger? 4. Backbencher and Communist Fellow Traveller 5. Years of Frustration 6. Junior Minister 7. The Betrayal of Aberfan 8. At the Commonwealth Office 9. Secretary of State for Wales 10. Back in Opposition 11. The Road to the Speaker's Chair 12. Falling out with Labour 13. Open House 14. Hating Labour 15. Adoring Thatcher 16. George Thomas and Christianity 17. In the House of Lords 18. Final Acts 19. George and Julian 20. Was George Thomas a Sexual Abuser? 21. Freemason 22. Embedded Royalist 23. Patronage 24. Why Understanding George Thomas is Important Afterword