Gavin Barwell Gavin Barwell was Downing Street chief of staff to former Prime Minister Theresa May, following the general election in June 2017. Since the EU referendum of 2016, British politics has witnessed a barrage of crises, resignations and general elections. Theresa May's premiership was the most turbulent of all. In her darkest hour, following the disastrous 2017 election, she turned to Gavin Barwell to help restore her battered authority. He would become her chief of staff for the next two years - a period punctuated by Brexit negotiations, domestic tragedy, and intense political drama. In this gripping insider memoir, Barwell reveals what really went on in the corridors of power - and sheds a vital light on May, the most inscrutable of modern prime ministers. He was by her side when she met Donald Trump, heard about the poisoning of the Skripals in Salisbury, and responded to the Grenfell Tower fire. He was also at the centre of Brexit talks with foreign leaders and MPs from across the house, including Boris Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn and Keir Starmer. Revealing how government operates during times of crisis, this is the definitive record of a momentous episode in Britain's recent political history. Chaired by Gerry Foley ‘An important historical document and the ultimate insider’s story of how a government was slowly and painfully overwhelmed. A meticulous account of a tortured period of our politics.' Laura Kuenssberg Book Now Booking Information Priority Booking for Festival Friends opens at 08.00 on Tuesday 19th April. Tickets go on general sale from Thursday 21st April. Please note that a handling charge of 50p per ticket applies to bookings made in person or over the phone. No handling charges apply to online bookings. Hearing loops are available. Carers qualify for free ‘essential companion’ tickets. Wheelchair spaces are limited. In all cases, please call the Box Office on 01434 652477 to book (booking fees will not apply). Booking for this event has now closed.