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 麻豆社 Radio 4 in May 2011.
On radio
Broadcasts
- Wed 11 May 2011 11:00麻豆社 Radio 4
- Wed 27 Jul 2016 06:30麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
- Wed 27 Jul 2016 13:30麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
- Wed 27 Jul 2016 20:30麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
- Thu 28 Jul 2016 01:30麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
- Wed 29 Jan 2020 06:30麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
- Wed 29 Jan 2020 13:30麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
- Wed 29 Jan 2020 20:30麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
- Thu 30 Jan 2020 01:30麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
- Fri 19 Jun 2026 10:30麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
- Fri 19 Jun 2026 16:30麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
- Sat 20 Jun 2026 00:30麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra