An Unexpected MP (23 page)

O
ne day in June of 2013 we were delayed at Gatwick Airport for an eternity. The people who kept us sane were a delightful young couple and I spent the time boring them to death with tales of fun and games in Westminster. ‘Why don’t you write a book?’ they asked. So, a month or so later I contacted Iain Dale, who told me to knock out a couple of chapters and he’d let me know. So, Chris and Kath, this is all your fault!

A very big thank you to Biteback for trusting me to write it – and to Iain Dale for not rushing to therapy over any potential libels. I am told that at the commissioning meeting someone suggested that, as I was a barrister, I could do the libel reading. Dale nearly burst a blood vessel. ‘Hayes doesn’t know the concept of defamation!’ he exploded. He had a point.

Thanks to Grant Tucker for being so loyal and encouraging, and Suzanne Sangster for her deft handling of the publicity. And Sam Carter for being such a fantastic and wise editor. I am indebted to you and the team for being so patient, with Hoby doing a great job on the illustrations.

Now for those who toiled away for no reward. Geoffrey Vevers for doing the first proofreading and keeping me
entertained with his animal impersonations; he was brought up in the London Zoo, not in an enclosure but in a house. Joe Lewis, the
Express
whizz-kid libel lawyer, who performed the first libel read. And the multi-talented Will Timmins, who painstakingly sorted out the index. Thanks, guys.

A fantastic thank you to Nick Giles and Michael Hayman of Sevenhills, who sponsored the launch party. They had the courage to set up a campaigning (
the
campaigning) business start-up company at the height of the recession and have been tremendously successful. Many young entrepreneurs owe them one hell of a lot. And it’s good to see that they now have a serious impact on government policy by working closely with my old chum Lord Young of Graffham.

I mustn’t forget my friends at the Savile Club, who have been tolerant of my banging on about
the book
for the last four months and restrained themselves from assaulting me, no matter how great the temptation.

A big hug to my wonderful family, Alison, Francesca and Lawrence, who, as always, have been there for me.

Finally, to all of my friends, whose friendship and general lunacy kept me reasonably sane, and who allowed me to write about them without being too cross. I hope.