Former PM will give a ‘frank’ account of his time in Downing Street, including insights into family life and the EU referendum

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

David Cameron has signed a deal to write his autobiography, saying he will give a “frank” account of his time in Downing Street.

The former prime minister will spend the next year writing the book, which will give an insight into family life at No 10 as well as the inside track on his government.

Cameron said he would explain the decisions he made and admit “what worked and what didn’t”.

The book, which does not yet have a title, will cover his decision to call a referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union and subsequent defeat, which led him to quit as prime minister and later as an MP.

Cameron adviser reveals No 10's alarm at his holding in offshore fund Read more

It will also cover the Scottish independence vote and his reforms to the economy, welfare and education. Cameron’s controversial handling of foreign affairs, including the bombing of Libya and the crucial vote he lost on Syria, will also be examined.

William Collins, an imprint of HarperCollins, secured the autobiography and expects to publish it in 2018.

Cameron said: “It was an immense privilege to lead the Conservative party for more than a decade and the country for over six years as prime minister.

“I am looking forward to having the opportunity to explain the decisions I took and why I took them. I will be frank about what worked and what didn’t.”

Cameron has given little indication of his plans for life after Downing Street other than chairing a panel of patrons on the expanded National Citizen Service, a summer camp initiative he set up that is designed to instill social responsibility in young people as part of his “big society”.

However, it emerged earlier this month that he would give a speech for the private equity firm Bain Capital in one of his first public engagements since his departure from No 10.

The former prime minister was booked to address a private event for the US company, which was co-founded by former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and bought a blood plasma company from the NHS in 2012.

Cameron stepped down as an MP after taking a summer holiday, meaning any earnings from the book or his speech will not have to be publicly disclosed.