09/09/08 - Top Political Author Has A Date With Swindon Tories

A best selling author, political insider and the man behind one of TV’s most memorable catchphrases is coming to Swindon next week.

One of Britain’s most popular after-dinner speakers, Michael Dobbs, is appearing at a fundraising event organised by the local Conservative Party.

“You might well think that – I couldn’t possibly comment!” became Britain’s favourite phrase after being used by the Prime Minister in Dobbs’ TV drama House of Cards.

It may have been fiction, but was probably based on fact – Dobbs was Prime Minister Margaretn Thatcher’s right-hand man in Downing Street and vice-chairman of the Conservative Party.

The scheming, Shakespeare-quoting Francis Urquhart was Dobbs’ most famous creation, featuring in three books and immortalised on screen by Ian Richardson.

Mr Dobbs has gone on to become one of the country’s bestselling authors, famous for political thrillers and his recent books about Winston Churchill.

He will be the guest speaker at the dinner on Friday at Alexandra House Conference Centre in Wroughton.

Coun Justin Tomlinson, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for North Swindon, said: “It’s great that Michael Dobbs is taking the time to come to Swindon. He was such an important figure in Mrs Thatcher's government and has many behind-the-scenes tales to tell. I’m also looking forward to meeting him because House of Cards is one of my favourite TV dramas – although I hope I never have to work with a Prime Minister as evil as Francis Urquhart!”

Tickets are £35, including a three-course dinner, speech and question and answer session with Michael Dobbs.

To receive a booking form, email contact@swindonconservatives.com or phone 01793 522123.