Bodley Head pre-empts Ed Miliband's book on 'radical ideas to remake the country'

Bodley Head has secured Ed Miliband's first book following a swift pre-empt with the former Labour Party leader offering "radical ideas to remake the country", The Bookseller can reveal.

Will Hammond, editorial director at Bodley Head, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to the Doncaster North MP's debut from Andrew Gordon at David Higham Associates.

Bodley Head said the currently untitled book would "present a host of inspiring ideas and transformative solutions to make Britain and the world a better, fairer and more progressive place" with publication slated for 2020. The book will touch on topics explored on Miliband's podcast series, “Reasons to be Cheerful”, which he presents alongside radio host Geoff Lloyd. 

“The country is in a mess and we need big ideas to sort it out," Milliband said. "Think of any problem and there are solutions here or around the world. This book aims to convince people that there is a positive, optimistic future for our society.”

Gordon told The Bookseller: “Will Hammond moved quickly and we were happy to do the pre-empt with him. It's going to be an exploration of progressive, radical ideas to remake the country so it will share some of the landscape Ed has been exploring in his podcast but not a tie-in.”

Hammond added: "As many thousands of listeners from across the political spectrum can attest, Ed Miliband has a captivating ability to make big ideas feel graspable and exciting. His book will be a source of inspiration and guidance for anyone who feels a better world is needed."