Why We Get the Wrong Politicians - Hardcover

Isabel Hardman

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1782399739 ISBN 13: 9781782399735

Publisher: Atlantic Books, 2018

Synopsis

As one of the country's leading political journalists, Isabel Hardman has spent many years in that bizarre rabbit-warren we call the Houses of Parliament. She's conducted thousands of interviews with MPs ranging from fresh-faced recruits to Prime Ministers. With some notable exceptions, she has found them to be decent, hard-working people, doing a hugely difficult and demanding job. And yet, politicians are consistently voted the least trusted professional group by the UK public - below estate agents, lawyers and journalists. And every year, MPs collectively introduce new legislation that doesn't do what it sets out to achieve - often with terrible financial and human costs. In this entertaining examination of our political class, award-winning journalist Isabel Hardman tries to square this circle. She lifts the lid on the strange world of Westminster and asks why we end up with representatives that we are so unhappy with. Arguing that each stage of the parliamentary career favours the 'wrong' politicians, she considers the troubling legacy of a political system that dissuades large parts of society from taking part. Filled with forensic analysis and revealing reportage, this landmark book is a must read for anyone who wants to see a future with better government.

About this title

Review:

‘Compelling and Entertaining.’
Robert Peston – Political Editor, ITV

‘An entertaining read that addresses hard questions... invaluable for those who think they know what’s wrong with Westminster but have no idea how to put it right.’
John Humphrys – Presenter, Today programme

‘A fast-paced, intelligent dissection of modern politics, packed full of juicy anecdotes and insider knowledge. What Isabel Hardman doesn't know about parliament isn't worth knowing.’
Helen Lewis – Deputy Editor, New Statesman

‘With humour and humanity, Isabel Hardman lifts the lid on the Houses of Parliament and shows with compelling authority how the structure and culture of our political system so often delivers the worst kind of results. This book has the power to fundamentally change how we do things in this country.’
Emily Maitlis – Presenter, Newsnight

‘The untold, candid account of our MPs. Isabel Hardman has been able to pierce our protective armour because we trust and respect her. And she's analysed what she found with a fierce intellect.’
Harriet Harman MP

‘Highly readable’
Jacob Rees-Mogg MP

‘This thoroughly readable and well-researched book explains why parliamentary powers won't ever be used properly until parties change how they choose their candidates.’
Lord Peter Mandelson

From the Author:

Isabel Hardman is a journalist and broadcaster. She is Assistant Editor of The Spectator and presents Week in Westminster on BBC Radio 4. In 2015, she was named "Journalist of the Year" at the Political Studies Association's annual awards. She lives in London.

She frequently appears on television and radio, including Have I Got News For You, The News Quiz, Andrew Marr, Sunday Politics, Robert Peston, and more.

About this edition

• Publisher: Atlantic Books
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1782399739
• ISBN 13: 9781782399735
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 336