Former Penrith and The Border MP Rory Stewart has announced the forthcoming release of his new book Debatable Land: Dispatches from the Borders, set to be published in October. Drawing on nearly a decade representing Britain’s most rural parliamentary constituency, the book offers a vivid and deeply personal portrait of rural life in modern Britain.
Described as an “unforgettable portrait of rural Britain today,” Debatable Land explores the complex tensions between farming and conservation, tradition and progress, and local and national politics. It also serves as a timeless evocation of the people, history and landscape of Cumbria—a region Stewart has long championed.
Stewart, who was first elected MP for Penrith and The Border in 2010, held a series of senior roles in government. In 2014, he became Chair of the Defence Select Committee before going on to serve as Minister for the Environment under David Cameron. During Theresa May’s premiership, he served as Minister of State for International Development, Minister for Africa, and Minister of State for Prisons, eventually joining the Cabinet as Secretary of State for International Development and sitting on the National Security Council.
In 2019, Stewart launched a high-profile campaign to succeed Theresa May as Leader of the Conservative Party, attracting attention for his direct engagement with voters and his outspoken opposition to a no-deal Brexit. After Boris Johnson became Prime Minister, Stewart resigned from the Cabinet and, in September 2019, had the Conservative Whip removed following his support for legislation to prevent a no-deal departure from the European Union.
The following month, he resigned from the Conservative Party and confirmed he would not seek re-election, instead serving out his term as the constituency's first Independent MP. He later launched a bid to become Mayor of London but withdrew from the race in 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruption to the election timetable.
Since stepping back from front line politics, Stewart has remained a prominent public figure. In 2022, he launched the popular political podcast 'The Rest Is Politics' with former Labour strategist Alastair Campbell, offering candid discussions on current affairs and public life.
Speaking about the new book, Stewart said: “I’ve been working on a collection on the beauty and ingenuity of Cumbria and its surprising, uplifting lessons.” He added that he is “very excited” about the launch, with Debatable Land now available for pre-order ahead of its October release.
The book promises to be both a heartfelt tribute to a unique region and a reflective examination of Britain’s rural identity in a time of change.
Details on how to pre order the book including signed copies can be found via: https://goto.penrith.town/Debatable-Land-by-Rory-Stewart
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