PART ONE

THE BUDDHA OF SUBURBIA
1990–1997

We are not slaying dragons any more, just cleaning up the shit they leave behind.

Edwina Currie (1991)

 

It’s a great responsibility bringing a child into the world. You get all those embarrassing questions, like: What’s a Labour government?

Helen Lederer (1991)

 

CHARLES FOX: Do you enjoy anything, Mr Pitt?

WILLIAM PITT: A balance sheet, Mr Fox. I enjoy a good balance sheet.

Alan Bennett, The Madness of King George (1994)