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The Wheels of Power

Ben Wright hears some extraordinary tales from the best-informed people in politics: ministerial car drivers. From 2011.

Ben Wright speaks to the best-informed people in politics: ministerial car drivers. And he hears some extraordinary behind-the-wheel tales from these previously discreet public servants.

Ministerial car drivers have become almost legendary, appearing as wise Whitehall sages in everything from ministers' memoirs to Yes, Minister! They have never spoken for themselves: until now. In this programme, Ben speaks to former drivers and reveals what the official history of the Government Car Service - long hidden within Whitehall and only released after a Freedom of Information request - contains.

The drivers discuss the dramatic changes to the service over the years, and take us behind closed (car) doors at some of the most memorable moments in modern political history.

Producer: Giles Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2011.

30 minutes

Last on

Thu 30 Jan 202001:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

Broadcasts

  • Wed 11 May 201111:00
    BBC Radio 4
  • Wed 27 Jul 201606:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 27 Jul 201613:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 27 Jul 201620:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 28 Jul 201601:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 29 Jan 202006:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 29 Jan 202013:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 29 Jan 202020:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 30 Jan 202001:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra