BBC News | UK POLITICS | Mowlam offered book deal

BBC News Online: UK Politics

Saturday, 11 December, 1999, 10:42 GMT

Mowlam offered book deal

Ms Mowlam was replaced in Northern Ireland by Peter Mandelson

Former Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam has been offered a contract to write a book about how she helped to broker a peace deal between long-standing enemies.

Downing Street has confirmed that Ms Mowlam - now Cabinet Office minister - had told Prime Minister Tony Blair she had been approached by publishers about writing about her experiences.

Mr Blair, speaking at the EU summit in Helsinki, said: "I'd certainly be sorry to lose her".

It is reported that publishers HarperCollins are willing to pay Ł350,000 for the exclusive rights to the MP's inside story.

But Dr Mowlam, in Durham to receive an honorary degree, said: "No money has been exchanged - I have and will not write a word in government.

"I have no intention of leaving the Cabinet and Tony Blair and I have always been close friends."

Mo Mowlam

Ms Mowlam's memoirs would include her struggle against a brain tumour and the delicate negotiations behind the Good Friday Agreement.

She was replaced in Northern Ireland when Peter Mandelson returned to the Cabinet in October and there has been speculation that she is unhappy in her current role.

That in turn has led to suggestions that she may leave the government to write a book.

And a Downing Street spokesman made it clear that Dr Mowlam could not write her memoirs while still serving in the Cabinet.

He said: "The prime minister said there was nothing improper in their discussing a future book.

"But there is no question of her writing it while she is still in government or taking any money for the book deal while she is in government."

'Not leaving government'

However he stressed that Dr Mowlam was highly-valued by No10, adding: "She is an important member of the government."

A spokesman for Dr Mowlam confirmed that publishers had shown interest in Ms Mowlam's story, particularly her time in Northern Ireland, but insisted her attention was focused on her ministerial work, including her role as the government's 'poverty tsar'.

He said: "Mo is very much committed to her work and she has just been given a role which she considers extremely important. She is looking forward to continuing her work on these issues - she is very excited."

Related to this story:
Mowlam: 'I'm fed up' (11 Nov 99 | UK Politics)
Mowlam rapped over Dyke donation (10 Nov 99 | UK Politics)
From the NI Office to Cabinet Office (12 Oct 99 | UK Politics)
Tributes for Mo Mowlam (11 Oct 99 | Northern Ireland)
Mandelson makes his comeback (11 Oct 99 | UK Politics)

Internet Links: Northern Ireland Office Cabinet Office HarperCollins Tony Blair's Office
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