The coalition between the Tories and the Lib Dems now reaches a year-old anniversary marked by stormy elections for the two parties and bitter recriminations between them about the outcome of the referendum on electoral reform.
As Cabinet Ministers exchange accusations of lying, the rather lovey-dovey atmosphere of 12 months ago has gone.
I've been back to the rose garden to film the starting point of my latest documentary for Channel 4: A Year Inside Number 10. I've also been given unique access to the Cabinet room itself for a film which chronicles the successes and the tribulations of the coalition over the first turbulent 12 months of its life.
The film sets out to answer the crucial questions about the coalition: what it has done and where it is heading.
Why did the Lib Dems sign up to the Tory plan for swift and deep cuts to public spending? What forced the Prime Minister to pause the planned upheaval of the health service? How did the Cabinet come to the decision to back military intervention in Libya? We hear directly from eyewitnesses to history: the most senior people in government and others with a ringside seat at the Cabinet table.
The programme contains revelatory interviews with David Cameron, Nick Clegg, George Osborne and William Hague. In total, I have spoken to 10 Cabinet Ministers which demonstrates an unprecedented level of participation in a documentary about contemporary political history. I hope viewers will agree that we have teased out the truth about how the coalition works behind closed doors.
How was Nick Clegg 'stuffed' over tuition fees? Which 'state secret' is divulged by David Cameron?
When did the Prime Minister feel he was 'out on a limb'? What does Vince Cable really think of George Osborne? Why does the Chancellor believe he is 'under constant attack'?
All is revealed as we tell the inside story of an extraordinary year in politics.
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'Many Conservatives will be demented with rage if they are defeated in the referendum on electoral reform'.
About Andrew Rawnsley
Award-winning author, broadcaster and journalist, Andrew Rawnsley has made a series of acclaimed documentaries for Channel 4 about four prime ministers, including Bye Bye Blues, The Rise and Fall of Tony Blair, Crash Gordon and Cameron Uncovered.
