Newfoundland and Labrador had three premiers in a single year-- three and a half, if you count Frank Coleman. An elected politician broke down crying on live radio. In less than eighteen months, the Official Opposition went from six to sixteen members.For Canada's easternmost province, the lead-up to the 2015 general election was the most turbulent time for politics in at least a generation, and Telegram reporter James McLeod had a front row seat for the whole strange spectacle. As the political reporter for Newfoundland and Labrador's largest daily newspaper, McLeod was there for all the big moments and interviewed all the key players.In Turmoil, As Usual, McLeod gives an an inside look and an unvarnished account of the people, the strategy, the gaffes and the farce that make up Newfoundland politics.

Born and raised in Toronto, Ont., James McLeod came to St. John's, NL for a six week unpaid internship in the spring of 2008. Seven years later he still hasn't found his way home. He covers politics full time for the Telegram newspaper, an occupation which appears to be leading to significant hair loss.

James McLeod's profile page

• Short-listed, Shaughnessy Cohen Award for Political Writing

"Covering the two years leading up to our 2015 election, the book pulls no punches regarding political events or persons. His description of party conventions captures the full essence of the boozy bacchanalia, and boredom, inherent in such political gatherings. His blunt appraisals of the party leaders are thought-provoking and debatable." Bill Rowe, The Telegram"Honest, detailed, and often merciless in its analysis of the politicians he's spent so much time interviewing and following around, James McLeod's Turmoil As Usual is a must-read for anyone who enjoys following our local blood-sport, politics. You won't agree with all his conclusions, but you'll certainly be entertained, and perhaps a bit better informed, by reading them." Trudy Morgan Cole, The Compulsive Overreader