WHY WE GET THE WRONG POLITICIANS

Why have we lost faith in politicians, and how can we fix our system of government? Here is a fascinating insider's view from the Westminster bubble which does much to puncture the myths that surround it, is crammed with insight and gossip, and Hardman carefully explains how to breathe new life into the existing system. Politicians are consistently voted the least-trusted professional group by the UK public. There have been scandals concerning sexual harassment and expenses and every year they introduce new legislation that fails to achieve what it has set out to do, often with terrible financial and human costs. But with some notable exceptions they are decent, hard-working people, doing a hugely demanding job. In this searching examination of our political class, award-winning journalist Isabel Hardman conducts ground-breaking research and has conducted interviews across the political spectrum, from researchers to prime ministers. She lifts the lid on how the culture and institutions of parliament fail both the electorate and MPs themselves and explores what we can do to change the system for the better. 307pp.