If you’ve ever felt disconnected from the pulse of rural Britain, Rory Stewart’s Middleland might just bridge that gap. This captivating collection of essays, culled from his decade-long tenure as an MP for Penrith and the Border, offers a rare glimpse into the heart of the countryside—far from the echo chambers of Westminster. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Stewart doesn’t just chronicle his experiences; he lays bare the stark divide between urban policymakers and the people they’re meant to serve. And this is the part most people miss—his writing isn’t your typical political puff piece. It’s personal, introspective, and unapologetically honest.
Stewart openly admits that Middleland repurposes articles from his ‘Word from Westminster’ column in the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald. While many politicians use such columns as self-congratulatory platforms, Stewart’s pieces stand out for their authenticity. These aren’t ghostwritten accounts of ribbon-cuttings and photo ops. Instead, they’re eloquent reflections on history, economics, and the human stories woven into the landscape of Cumbria. Imagine stumbling upon an essay about Roman occupation or the death of Edward I in 1307 while expecting a mundane update on local events—that’s the serendipity Stewart delivers.
What makes Middleland truly unique is Stewart’s ability to straddle two worlds. As he commutes between Whitehall and his remote cottage, he grapples with the disconnect between London’s policies and their impact on rural communities. Here’s a bold claim: Stewart’s empathy for small farmers is unmatched, yet his skepticism of large-scale agriculture and rewilding initiatives might ruffle a few feathers. He argues that rewilding isn’t just a threat to food production—it’s a threat to human culture itself. Controversial? Perhaps. But it’s a perspective that demands discussion.
Stewart’s political journey, from championing the Union during the Scottish independence referendum to his eventual exit from politics post-Brexit, is both poignant and thought-provoking. He couldn’t reconcile his support for vulnerable farming families with the end of farm subsidies that Brexit promised—and delivered. And this is where it gets personal: Stewart’s frustration with the modern Conservative Party’s abandonment of tradition and small family farms is palpable. Is he right? Or has the party simply evolved with the times? That’s a debate worth having.
The title Middleland itself is a nod to the historical and cultural uniqueness of the North of England and the South of Scotland—regions that have long been overlooked by central powers. Stewart’s love for Cumbria shines through, but so does his critique of Westminster’s failure to understand and serve these areas. Kemi Badenoch, take note: This book isn’t just a memoir—it’s a blueprint for rethinking conservatism in rural Britain.
Edited into a highly readable diary, Middleland is a vivid portrait of a place and its people, as well as a candid account of life as a rural MP. Whether Stewart is fighting to save a local agricultural college, agonizing over wind turbines, or marveling at the ‘improbably beautiful’ landscape, his voice is one of curious detachment—a man who saw the flaws in the system and ultimately chose to step away. His transition from politics to academia and podcasting (co-hosting The Rest is Politics) feels almost inevitable, given his disillusionment with the compromises of political life.
So, is Middleland worth your time? Absolutely. It’s a refreshing, insightful, and occasionally provocative read that challenges you to think differently about rural Britain. But here’s the question: Can Stewart’s vision of conservatism—rooted in tradition, history, and local culture—survive in today’s political climate? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
★★★★☆
Middleland is published by Jonathan Cape, priced at £22. To order your copy for £18.99, call 0-330 173 5030 or visit Telegraph Books. Highly recommended.
