Taken as Red

How the Election Was Won and Lost

By: Anushka Asthana

Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

The inside story behind the most seismic election in a generation

In Taken As Red acclaimed political journalist Anushka Asthana takes listeners 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 reveals the tireless efforts, strategic brilliance and passionate grassroots movements that coalesced to produce July's astonishing result.

Taken As Red captures the spirit of a nation at a crossroads. A must for anyone keen to understand what the next five years holds.

©2025 Anushka Asthana (P)2025 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