REVISED AND UPDATED TO INCLUDE THE EXPLOSIVE EVENTS OF 2021 and 2022

Winner at the Parliamentary Book Awards

Shortlisted for the Waterstones Book of the Year

Longlisted for the Orwell Prize

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Daily Telegraph's Best Books of the Year

Guardian's Best Books of the Year

Evening Standard's Best Books of the Year

Daily Mail's Best Books of the Year

BBC's Biggest Books

Prospect's Best Books of the Year

Politicians are consistently voted the least trusted professional group by the UK public. They've recently become embroiled in scandals relating to everything from expenses to sexual harassment to illicit parties. Every year, they introduce new legislation that doesn't do what it sets out to achieve - often with terrible financial and human costs. But, with some notable exceptions, they are decent, hard-working people, doing a hugely difficult and demanding job.

In this searching 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 with whom we are so unhappy. Filled with forensic analysis and revealing reportage, this landmark and accessible book is a must read for anyone who wants to see a future with better government.

'This book has the power to fundamentally change how we do things in this country.'

Emily Maitlis

'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