A well-known political figure in Kent has written a book about his time in local government.

Swale council's former leader, Roger Truelove, has published his memoir called Inside Left.

Roger, who came from a working-class background in London, was the third student from his school to go to Oxford University.

He was first elected to local government in 1987 and was leader of Swale Council from 2019.

The former Sheppey school teacher served on the authority, covering Sheppey, Sittingbourne and Faversham, for 28 years.

During the final three years, Roger led the ruling “rainbow” coalition of Labour, Liberal Democrats and independents against the Conservatives.

The veteran Labour councillor announced his decision to step down in March last year.

Roger’s book, Inside Left, is not only a political memoir but an in-depth look into his life, as well as his passion for cricket and teaching.

“My book is not the typical high-profile politician justifying their time in office. It offers the view of a grassroots activist,” he said.

“There are perspectives on a number of contemporary matters; the leadership of the Labour party, the toxicity of contemporary politics, the threat of extreme right-wing politics here and in the United States, the impact of Brexit and the Covid pandemic, and the need for political change.”

“My book is not the typical high-profile politician justifying their time in office. It offers the view of a grassroots activist.”

Not only did Roger, who lives in Sittingbourne, stand twice for parliament, but he is a keen proponent of a progressive alliance – of parties working together.

He added: “I was inspired to write the chapters on my political life and outlook by a feeling that as a local politician, I had a different perspective to all the conventional ideas and frankly a sense of anger and frustration at the prevailing political climate of the last decade.”

The book, published with The Conrad Press, concludes with Roger's unique leadership of a five-party coalition on his council.

Next Tuesday (December 12), he will be signing copies at the Swale Media and Arts Centre in Sittingbourne High Street, from 10am to 1pm.