Steve Richards

For even the most famous and successful politicians a life-changing defeat may be lurking just around the corner.

It is often crushing, sometimes humiliating, but it can also be reinvigorating.

In a series for The Westminster Hour in June 2003, the political columnist and broadcaster Steve Richards talks to the big names who took a mighty fall.

In They Fought and Lost they recall how defeat tasted and how they rebuilt their lives afterwards. In this second series he talks to Norman Lamont, Michael Portillo, Tony Benn and Neil Kinnock.

Norman Lamont was Chancellor from 1990 to 1993

In Part One, he talks to the former Chancellor of the Exchequer Norman Lamont.

Having seen his old constituency of Kingston-upon-Thames abolished in a Boundary Review, Lamont failed to capture the seat of Harrogate for the Conservatives in general election of 1997.

Click here to listen to Steve Richards on Norman Lamont

Michael Portillo was Defence Secretary from 1995 to 1997

In Part Two, Steve Richards talks to the former Defence Secretary Michael Portillo.

Portillo's defeat to Labour's Stephen Twigg in Enfield Southgate was seen by many as the highlight of election night in 1997.

Click here to listen to Steve Richards on Michael Portillo

Tony Benn addressing a Miners strike rally in 1984

In Part Three, Steve Richards talks to the former Labour cabinet minister Tony Benn.

Although he lost his Bristol seat in the 1983 general election, the main battle for Benn was for control of the Labour Party.

Click here to listen to Steve Richards on Tony Benn

Neil Kinnock was Leader of the Labour Party from 1983 to 1992

In Part Four, Steve Richards talks to the former Labour Party leader Neil Kinnock.

Although he held one of the highest majorities in his Islwyn constituency, for Kinnock the battle was to win government. As Labour Leader, he fought and lost both the 1987 and 1992 general elections.

Click here to listen to Steve Richards on Neil Kinnock