Taken as Red

How Labour Won Big and the Tories Crashed the Party

By: Anushka Asthana

Narrated by: Anushka Asthana

How Labour took power, how the Tories lost it, and what to expect

'Taken As Red stands out for its balance and the depth of its reporting' The Guardian

Featuring exclusive interviews with more than 100 political insiders including Rachel Reeves, Wes Streeting, Kwasi Kwarteng, Nigel Farage and leading Lib Dems, Greens and SNP figures.

In Taken As Red acclaimed political journalist Anushka Asthana takes us behind the scenes of the 2024 general election campaign.

As the political landscape undergoes a seismic shift, this gripping account provides an unprecedented insider’s perspective on the inner workings of Keir Starmer’s Labour and Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives, and the events of this high-stakes electoral contest as it unfolded.

With unparalleled access to key players and exclusive insights, it delves into the strategic decisions, campaign dynamics and unexpected twists that defined the election. From the battle bus to the corridors of power, Asthana analyses just how the result came about. Was it evidence of Labour’s strategic brilliance or the inevitable result of a spiralling decline of trust in the Tories? And what of Reform’s role?

Lively, analytical and compelling, Taken As Red reveals the calculated gambles and innovative strategies at play, and the people behind them. And in doing so, it looks forward as well as back.

©2024 Anushka Asthana (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

‘The 2024 general election is likely to be the most important for many decades. No one will explain it better than Anushka Asthana, whose storytelling, contacts and analysis are second to none. This will be an unmissable political book.’ Robert Peston

‘Over many years as a reporter Anushka has got under the skin of politics. She knows all the key players intimately, but never forgets that the most important thing is to understand the voters. With her expertise, insight and empathy, plus her tenacious reporting skills, there are few journalists better placed than Anushka to write a book on the next election.’ Katharine Viner, Editor-in-chief, The Guardian

‘Anushka is one of the best political reporters out there – as comfortable delivering top-level analysis from Westminster as she is reporting human stories around the country. This book is sure to be a must-read on 2024’s critical general election.’ Esme Wren, Editor, Channel 4 News

‘In a world full of political noise, rhetoric, and showboating you need a voice who can cut through that storm with authority, ease, warmth and intellect. Anushka is that voice: a masterful interviewer, and an utterly brilliant storyteller.’ Charlene White, presenter

‘Speaking with Anushka, hearing the empathy and warmth in her voice, was the most reassured I have ever felt by a reporter. That is a very rare quality to have, someone who I’ve never met has taken my story into her heart. She’s a great reporter who will write a great book.’ Janet Skinner, Post Office scandal victim

Very Good Listen

The author made a wise choice to do the voice work for Audible. The Book gives the listener the complete story about Labour's election victory.
I hope the author will consider doing another book about how the UK media works during an election. She explains towards the end about the effect of false videos shrinking Labour's expected vote. Her background is ideal. Looking forward to her next work.