One of the UK's stars in political journalism asks why we lost faith in politicians - and how we can fix our system of government
Review
A really good book... Well-structured and well-written. - Observer
Hardman's well-written, incisive book provides a good compass with which to navigate this changing landscape - The Times
It's easy to moan that Westminster doesn't work and a lot harder to explain why. To understand, this is the book you need to read. - Laura Kuenssberg – Political Editor, BBC News
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
Hardman's diagnosis of the malaise in the body politic is compelling and entertaining - Robert Peston – Political Editor, ITV News
A vital and compelling read for anyone interested in the way our politics does or doesn't work -- Jess Phillips - New Statesman
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
A must-read for anyone who wants to change the way they think about politicians and how they vote. - Evening Standard
As someone who has spent years writing about Westminster, Hardman knows better than most what is going wrong there... A must-read for anyone who wants a better Parliament. Crammed with insight and gossip, it will hopefully provoke the Westminster bubble to clean itself up. -- Asa Bennet - Daily Telegraph
Excellent... Hardman has carefully explained how to breathe new life into the existing system. -- Alex Dean - Prospect
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
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
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
This highly readable book serves as a reminder that the principal purpose of an MP is to be a legislator, yet poorly thought through laws are often passed. -- Jacob Rees-Mogg, MP for North East Somerset
Riveting... Here's hoping lots of MPs get it in their Christmas stocking. - Daily Telegraph
Both original and practical, a press gallery eye view on why so many good people either don't make it into parliament or don't manage to achieve what they thought they would once there. Hardman writes well - Guardian, Best Books of 2018
A brilliantly lucid explanation of the systemic problems in our electoral system that make policy-making and government such a mess. -- Nick Curtis - Evening Standard
A title no one could disagree with. Political journalist Hardman analyses why we end up with representatives we think are useless and suggests how we might do things differently. - Daily Mail
Eye-opening. - Sunday Telegraph
Excellent. - Independent
Extremely well-written. - Sorted
About 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.