The Alan Clark Diaries
Encyclopedia
The Alan Clark Diaries is a 2004
BBC
television serial dramatising the diaries
of the controversial British Conservative
politician Alan Clark
.
Clark dreams of escaping the backbenches and becoming a minister. Clark is returned as MP for Plymouth Sutton and subsequently appointed Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Employment by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher
but finds his secretary disdainful and his briefs turgid and devious. Furthermore Sir Robert Armstrong
, head of the civil service, warns Clark about his personal conduct. Clark attends a wine tasting prior to reading his first bill at the House of Commons and is called up on a Point of Order
by opposition MP Claire Short for being incapable. The sudden arrival of Leader of the House
John Biffen
is a clear indication to Clark that he is to be dismissed at the first opportunity.
offers Clarke a way to escape the department he has grown to loathe and make his way to the centre of power. Clark submits suggestions for the reform of the Prime Minister's office and enlists Jonathan Aitken
in his plot but fails to get the appointment to head it. Clark makes his first appearance on BBC
Question Time
hosted by Sue Lawley
where he criticises the decision of Defence Secretary
Michael Heseltine
to purchase a missile system from the US. Clark leaves the 1984 Brighton conference early narrowly avoiding the Provisional Irish Republican Army
hotel bombing
but is overlooked in the resulting reshuffle. Racist comments from Clark about Britain's black community result in a press outrage. The resignations over the Westland affair
result in Clark's appointment as Minister for Trade
.
where he dreams of a position in the cabinet as he sets out on an arduous tour of European states plagued by reports that he is anti-European. Returning home Clark feels worn down by his constant travels and his relationship with Jane is under strain. Re-elected in the 1987 general election
but overlooked for cabinet once again Clark holds on determined to get through his anti-fur legislation but following his return from a controversial trip to Chile
the Prime Minister under pressure from Canada
forces him to drop the legislation. A reshuffle gives Clark his long dreamed of position at the Ministry of Defence
but it is under new Defence Secretary Tom King
a man he considers ghastly.
but still finds himself out of favour as he criticises Britain's NATO allies in the run up to the Gulf War
and a younger generation of ministers rises up. An ongoing affair puts Clark under personal as well as professional pressure and in the mistaken belief that the Conservatives would lose the 1992 general election
he announces his decision not to stand for re-election. Clark is thrust once again into the headlines as he finds himself in court over the Matrix Churchill
scandal. Abandoned and alone in retirement at Saltwood Castle
Clark regrets his decision to leave politics.
finds himself embroiled in scandal Clark starts pushing for the seat. Despite attempts to make Clark the scapegoat for the Arms-to-Iraq
scandal the Scott Inquiry clears him. Initially rejected by Chelsea further scandals for Scott result in Clark's eventual selection for the newly merged seat of Kensington and Chelsea
. The 1997 general election
sees Clark's victorious return to the House of Commons but the Conservatives devastatingly defeated by New Labour. Diagnosed with brain cancer, Clark chooses to disappear from public life.
2004 in television
The year 2004 in television involved some significant events.Below is a list of television-related events in 2004.For the American TV schedule, see: 2004–05 United States network television schedule.-Events:-Debuts:-1940s:...
BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
television serial dramatising the diaries
Alan Clark Diaries
Alan Clark started keeping a regular diary in 1955 which lasted until August 1999, during his second spell as a Member of Parliament, when he was incapacitated due to the onset of the brain tumour which was to be the cause of his death a month later...
of the controversial British Conservative
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
politician Alan Clark
Alan Clark
Alan Kenneth Mackenzie Clark was a British Conservative MP and diarist. He served as a junior minister in Margaret Thatcher's governments at the Departments of Employment, Trade, and Defence, and became a privy counsellor in 1991...
.
March of the Grey Men
In the run up to the 1983 general electionUnited Kingdom general election, 1983
The 1983 United Kingdom general election was held on 9 June 1983. It gave the Conservative Party under Margaret Thatcher the most decisive election victory since that of Labour in 1945...
Clark dreams of escaping the backbenches and becoming a minister. Clark is returned as MP for Plymouth Sutton and subsequently appointed Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Employment by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Hilda Thatcher, Baroness Thatcher, was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990...
but finds his secretary disdainful and his briefs turgid and devious. Furthermore Sir Robert Armstrong
Robert Armstrong
Robert Armstrong may refer to:*Robert Archibald Armstrong , Gaelic lexicographer*Robert Armstrong , American professional baseball player*Robert Armstrong , film actor...
, head of the civil service, warns Clark about his personal conduct. Clark attends a wine tasting prior to reading his first bill at the House of Commons and is called up on a Point of Order
Point of order
A point of order is a matter raised during consideration of a motion concerning the rules of parliamentary procedure.-Explanation and uses:A point of order may be raised if the rules appear to have been broken. This may interrupt a speaker during debate, or anything else if the breach of the rules...
by opposition MP Claire Short for being incapable. The sudden arrival of Leader of the House
Leader of the House
There are several offices titled Leader of the House:* Leader of the House in the Australian Parliament* Leader of the House in the Parliament of Singapore* Leader of the House in the Parliament of Sri Lanka...
John Biffen
John Biffen
William John Biffen, Baron Biffen, PC, DL , was a Conservative member of the House of Lords, who previously spent 36 years in the House of Commons.-Early life:...
is a clear indication to Clark that he is to be dismissed at the first opportunity.
The Lady
Ian GowIan Gow
Ian Reginald Edward Gow TD was a British Conservative politician and solicitor. While serving as Member of Parliament for Eastbourne, he was assassinated by the Provisional Irish Republican Army who exploded a bomb under his car outside his home in East Sussex.-Life:Ian Gow was born at 3 Upper...
offers Clarke a way to escape the department he has grown to loathe and make his way to the centre of power. Clark submits suggestions for the reform of the Prime Minister's office and enlists Jonathan Aitken
Jonathan Aitken
Jonathan William Patrick Aitken is a former Conservative Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom, and British government minister. He was convicted of perjury in 1999 and received an 18-month prison sentence, of which he served seven months...
in his plot but fails to get the appointment to head it. Clark makes his first appearance on BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
Question Time
Question Time (TV series)
Question Time is a topical debate BBC television programme in the United Kingdom, based on Any Questions?. The show typically features politicians from at least the three major political parties as well as other public figures who answer questions put to them by the audience...
hosted by Sue Lawley
Sue Lawley
- Early life and education:Born in Sedgley, Staffordshire, England and brought up in the Black Country, she was educated at Dudley Girls High School and graduated in modern languages from the University of Bristol and some time later started her career at the BBC in Plymouth...
where he criticises the decision of Defence Secretary
Secretary of State for Defence
The Secretary of State for Defence, popularly known as the Defence Secretary, is the senior Government of the United Kingdom minister in charge of the Ministry of Defence, chairing the Defence Council. It is a Cabinet position...
Michael Heseltine
Michael Heseltine
Michael Ray Dibdin Heseltine, Baron Heseltine, CH, PC is a British businessman, Conservative politician and patron of the Tory Reform Group. He was a Member of Parliament from 1966 to 2001 and was a prominent figure in the governments of Margaret Thatcher and John Major...
to purchase a missile system from the US. Clark leaves the 1984 Brighton conference early narrowly avoiding the Provisional Irish Republican Army
Provisional Irish Republican Army
The Provisional Irish Republican Army is an Irish republican paramilitary organisation whose aim was to remove Northern Ireland from the United Kingdom and bring about a socialist republic within a united Ireland by force of arms and political persuasion...
hotel bombing
Brighton hotel bombing
The Brighton hotel bombing happened on 12 October 1984 at the Grand Hotel in Brighton, England. The bomb was planted by Provisional Irish Republican Army member Patrick Magee, with the intention of assassinating Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her cabinet who were staying at the hotel for the...
but is overlooked in the resulting reshuffle. Racist comments from Clark about Britain's black community result in a press outrage. The resignations over the Westland affair
Westland affair
The Westland affair was a political scandal for the British Conservative government of Margaret Thatcher in 1986. The argument was a result of differences of opinion within the government as to the future of the United Kingdom helicopter industry. The struggling Westland company, Britain's last...
result in Clark's appointment as Minister for Trade
Minister of State for Trade
The Minister of State for Trade is an executive position in the Government of the United Kingdom, in both the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills...
.
Foreign Parts
Clark takes up his new position as Minister for TradeMinister of State for Trade
The Minister of State for Trade is an executive position in the Government of the United Kingdom, in both the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills...
where he dreams of a position in the cabinet as he sets out on an arduous tour of European states plagued by reports that he is anti-European. Returning home Clark feels worn down by his constant travels and his relationship with Jane is under strain. Re-elected in the 1987 general election
United Kingdom general election, 1987
The United Kingdom general election of 1987 was held on 11 June 1987, to elect 650 members to the British House of Commons. The election was the third consecutive election victory for the Conservative Party under the leadership of Margaret Thatcher, who became the first Prime Minister since the 2nd...
but overlooked for cabinet once again Clark holds on determined to get through his anti-fur legislation but following his return from a controversial trip to Chile
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
the Prime Minister under pressure from Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
forces him to drop the legislation. A reshuffle gives Clark his long dreamed of position at the Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)
The Ministry of Defence is the United Kingdom government department responsible for implementation of government defence policy and is the headquarters of the British Armed Forces....
but it is under new Defence Secretary Tom King
Tom King, Baron King of Bridgwater
Thomas Jeremy King, Baron King of Bridgwater, CH, PC , is a British politician. A member of the Conservative Party, he served in the Cabinet from 1983–92, and was the Member of Parliament for the constituency of Bridgwater in Somerset from 1970-2001...
a man he considers ghastly.
Defence of the Realm
Clark has finally made it into the coveted Ministry of Defence. But his triumph is short-lived when he finds himself once again walking on thin ice with his old rival Tom King. All the while, the political temperature is rising - poll tax riots rage, the Gulf War breaks out, and The Lady's iron grip on the Tory party appears to be slipping fast.Into the Wilderness
With Thatcher gone and his estate in terminal decline Clark remains in curiously high spirits. In the resulting leadership election Clark supports the ultimately successful John MajorJohn Major
Sir John Major, is a British Conservative politician, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party from 1990–1997...
but still finds himself out of favour as he criticises Britain's NATO allies in the run up to the Gulf War
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
and a younger generation of ministers rises up. An ongoing affair puts Clark under personal as well as professional pressure and in the mistaken belief that the Conservatives would lose the 1992 general election
United Kingdom general election, 1992
The United Kingdom general election of 1992 was held on 9 April 1992, and was the fourth consecutive victory for the Conservative Party. This election result was one of the biggest surprises in 20th Century politics, as polling leading up to the day of the election showed Labour under leader Neil...
he announces his decision not to stand for re-election. Clark is thrust once again into the headlines as he finds himself in court over the Matrix Churchill
Arms-to-Iraq
The Arms-to-Iraq affair concerned the uncovering of the government-endorsed sale of arms by British companies to Iraq, then under the rule of Saddam Hussein...
scandal. Abandoned and alone in retirement at Saltwood Castle
Saltwood Castle
Saltwood Castle is a castle in Saltwood village—which derives its name from the castle—1 mile north of Hythe, Kent, England.The castle is known as the site where the plot was hatched to assassinate Thomas Becket...
Clark regrets his decision to leave politics.
Leaving Home
Rotting away in retirement Clark dreams of a victorious return to the House of Commons. When Chelsea MP Sir Nicholas ScottNicholas Scott
The Rt. Hon. Sir Nicholas Paul Scott, PC, JP , was a British Conservative Party politician.Scott was educated at Clapham College and was national chairman of the Young Conservatives in 1963...
finds himself embroiled in scandal Clark starts pushing for the seat. Despite attempts to make Clark the scapegoat for the Arms-to-Iraq
Arms-to-Iraq
The Arms-to-Iraq affair concerned the uncovering of the government-endorsed sale of arms by British companies to Iraq, then under the rule of Saddam Hussein...
scandal the Scott Inquiry clears him. Initially rejected by Chelsea further scandals for Scott result in Clark's eventual selection for the newly merged seat of Kensington and Chelsea
Kensington and Chelsea (UK Parliament constituency)
Kensington and Chelsea was a constituency represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It was one of the safest Conservative seats in the United Kingdom, and since its creation in 1997 became a prestigious seat, with MP Alan Clark, the former Defence Secretary...
. The 1997 general election
United Kingdom general election, 1997
The United Kingdom general election, 1997 was held on 1 May 1997, more than five years after the previous election on 9 April 1992, to elect 659 members to the British House of Commons. The Labour Party ended its 18 years in opposition under the leadership of Tony Blair, and won the general...
sees Clark's victorious return to the House of Commons but the Conservatives devastatingly defeated by New Labour. Diagnosed with brain cancer, Clark chooses to disappear from public life.
External links
- Press Release at BBC Press Office