Planes, Trains and Toilet Doors

Planes, Trains and Toilet Doors is a captivating exploration of the pivotal moments that have shaped modern British politics, all occurring far from the hallowed halls of Westminster. Author Matt Chorley takes readers on a journey through unexpected locales—car parks, village halls, and seaside resorts—where chance meetings and spontaneous decisions significantly influenced political trajectories.

The Plot

Through a series of engaging anecdotes and insightful interviews, Chorley recounts remarkable incidents, including:

• The duel involving Pitt the Younger, a moment that echoed through political history.
• Margaret Thatcher's serendipitous encounter with a voice coach on a train, a meeting that would impact her public persona.
• John Major's dental appointment, which unexpectedly catapulted him to No10.

Each story is woven together with a narrative style that is both informative and entertaining, highlighting the often-overlooked events that have shaped the political landscape.

Themes

Chorley delves into themes of chance, fate, and the unpredictable nature of politics. He illustrates how the most significant outcomes can stem from the most ordinary of circumstances, prompting readers to reconsider the narratives that dominate political discourse.

"A delightful reminder that history is not just made in grand settings but often in the most unassuming places."

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the quirks of political history, as well as fans of Chorley's previous works, which similarly combine wit and insight into the world of politics.