Author(s): Paul Davey

Australian

Unfolding like a political thriller, Joh for PM reveals for the first time the details of the campaign that rocked Australian politics. In 1987 the Queensland Premier, Joh Bjelke-Petersen, launched an audacious bid to break the federal Opposition Coalition, replace Ian Sinclair as National Party leader, and become Prime Minister himself. Trench warfare waged between the Sinclair and Joh forces during one of the most bizarre and divisive periods in Australian politics. In Joh for PM National Party insider Paul Davey reveals what went on behind closed doors in top-level internal meetings and the strategies aimed at thwarting the Joh campaign and reuniting the party at state and federal levels. 'Anyone who thinks Clive Palmer's excursion into federal politics is a bit weird should read about the crazy days of the Joh for PM campaign.' - Michelle Grattan