Socialism & Hope - A Journey Through Turbulent Times

The last few years have seen a Scottish independence referendum, a couple of General Elections and a vote on whether or not we should remain in the European Union. Throw in two uncompromising Labour leadership battles at UK level and a couple in Scotland, and it would be true to say that nothing less than a political whirlwind has swept through the corridors of the Scottish Parliament since it 'reconvened' in 1999. Following the turbulent six years for which Neil Findlay has been a member of the Scottish Parliament for Lothian, Socialism & Hope tracks the highs and lows of his personal and political life. From standing in the 2014 election to become the Leader of the Scottish Labour Party, to acting as Jeremy Corbyn's Scottish campaign chief in the 2015 and 2016 leadership elections, Neil's political career has been tireless and active. This book, described by Jeremy Corbyn as 'an honest, frank and challenging - as well as humorous of course - account of his time [...] at the forefront of Scottish politics', also includes Neil's inside view on the events of the 2014 Scottish Referendum and the rise of a more socialist Labour Party. With its entertaining narrative, it provides unprecedented and personal insights from within the political sphere itself. As well as surveying the past few years of political tumult, Socialism & Hope also looks forward to envision a society transformed by a revitalised Labour movement.

Neil Findlay was born in 1969, the son of a bricklayer and a primary schoolteacher. Brought up in the working class village of Fauldhouse in West Lothian, after leaving school at 16 he was an apprentice and tradesman bricklayer for ten years with his father's small business, became active in his local Labour Party and struck up a great friendship with Tam Dalyell MP. After returning to education, he worked in social housing before becoming a school teacher. A West Lothian Councillor for nine years, he was elected to the Scottish parliament in 2011, serving in various front bench posts and contesting the Scottish Labour leadership election in 2015. Scottish campaign manager for Jeremy Corbyn's two leadership elections, Neil is current chair of the Scottish Parliament's health and sport committee. He enjoys fishing, golf, gardening and going for a pint.