The political historian Andrew Rawnsley, whose new book was the launch pad for this week's Gordon Brown bullying scandal, is the unexpected star turn at next week's new-look Bath Lit Fest.

Rawnsley, author of The End of the Party, is one of the guests in next Tuesday's political debate Does The General Election Still Matter? at the Guildhall. He was booked to appear by the Lit Fest's new artistic director James Runcie long before he hit the international headlines.

With him on the platform next week will be Peter Hitchens from the Daily Mail, and Anne McElvoy, political columnist of the London Evening Standard and Prospect Magazine, who will be talking about whether it makes much difference who wins the next General Election.

In probably the most eagerly awaited political book for years, Andrew Rawnsley, the Observer's chief political commentator, paints a gripping inside picture of Labour governments since 2001. In the book he paints a disturbing portrait of a besieged, tortured and volatile Gordon Brown as he struggled to cope with being prime minister.

James Runcie, the new man behind this year's Bath Lit Fest starting on Saturday, has introduced a daily theme for the festival and a public debate to go with it.

Tuesday is politics day with a whole series of events including Richard Ingrams and Virginia Ironside at the Guildhall.

The final day of this year's Bath Lit Fest is dedicated to all things French. The two closing events at 8pm on Sunday, March 7 encapsulate the diversity of the festival in that they are dedicated to two utterly different Frenchmen: the 16th-century essayist Michel de Montaigne and the contemporary chef, Raymond Blanc.

Raymond will be in conversation with the novelist Kate Mosse the author of Labyrinth et al – and not to be confused with the supermodel. He will be talking about his early life in rural France and his life's journey from there to become the Michelin-starred chef, owner of the world-renowned Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons plus several other restaurants, author, TV personality and recipient of the OBE that he is today. This hour with Raymond Blanc promises to be revealing, amusing and not short on a few culinary tips.

WIN TICKETS

The Guide has teamed up with the Lit Fest to offer readers the chance to win two pairs of tickets to the Andrew Rawnsley event. Just answer the following question, put your answer on a postcard and send it with your name and telephone number to Bath Lit Fest Competition, The Guide, The Bath Chronicle, Westpoint, James Street West, Bath BA1 2DA.

The first correct answer out of the hat on Monday morning will get the tickets.

The question is: what is the name of Andrew Rawnsley's new book?

Brochures giving full details of all events are available from Bath Festivals box office on 01225 463362 or visit www.bathlitfest.org.uk.

See What's on on pages 74, 75 and 77 for Lit Fest listings.