Why We Get The Wrong Politicians

Description: Shortlisted for the 2018 Waterstones Book of the Year Shortlisted for the 2018 Parliamentary Book Awards (best political book by a non-parliamentarian) "A really good book... Well-structured and well-written." Observer "Well written and incisive." The Times "Vital and compelling." New Statesman In an era when politicians are responsible for the Brexit logjam and embroiled in sexual-harassment and expenses scandals, it's no wonder we've lost our faith in government. 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 investigates the strange and demanding world of Westminster, and asks why we end up with representatives we no longer trust - and how might faith be restored.

Review: With humour and humanity, Isabel Hardman lifts the lid on the Houses of Parliament... This book has the power to fundamentally change how we do things in this country * Emily Maitlis - Presenter, Newsnight * 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 * 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 must-read for anyone who wants to change the way they think about politicians and how they vote. * Evening Standard * A fast-paced, intelligent dissection of modern politics, packed full of juicy anecdotes and insider knowledge * Helen Lewis, New Statesman * Hardman's well-written, incisive book provides a good compass with which to navigate this changing landscape * The Times *

Author Biography: 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.