‘If Britain’s politicians are among the world’s most honest, hardworking and well-meaning, why do they mess up so badly and so often? A trenchant book that will make you see red, even as you laugh.’
Description
Let us take a look back over three decades of outrageous political mishaps – with a new introduction from Sir Ivor Crewe covering Brexit
blunder /ˈblʌndə(r)/, n.
A gross mistake; an error due to stupidity or carelessness.
There are a handful of cock-ups that we remember all too well, from the poll tax to the Millennium Dome. However, the list is longer than most of us realize – and it’s growing. With unrivalled political savvy and a keen sense of irony, distinguished political scientists Anthony King and Ivor Crewe open our eyes to the worst government horror stories and explain why the British political system is quite so prone to appalling mistakes.
Groupthink, constantly rotating ministers and a weak parliament all contribute to wasted billions and illogical policy. But, it doesn’t have to be this way. Informed by years of research, this razor-sharp diagnosis of flawed government with its spirited prescriptions for more fool-proof policymaking is required reading for every UK citizen.
Genres
Pages512
Released2014
LanguageEnglish
PublisherOneworld Publications
ISBN9781780746180
SellerSimon & Schuster
About the author(s)
Anthony King is Millennium Professor of British Government at the University of Essex. He broadcasts frequently on politics and elections for the BBC and writes on the same subjects for the Financial Times, the Daily Mail, the Daily Telegraph and the Observer.
Sir Ivor Crewe is the former Master of University College, Oxford. He was formerly Professor of Government and Vice Chancellor at the University of Essex.
Reviews
‘This book will make you gasp in disbelief and stamp your feet in rage, and quite frequently reduce you to helpless laughter...it is hard to overpraise.’
‘An entertaining journey through the cock-ups of governments.’
‘Perceptive and entertaining… chilling.’
‘Must be read by every incumbent and wannabe representative of the people.’
‘A notable indictment of modern British politics and administration… a splendid dipping-into volume to feed fashionable public disdain for the fragile art of politics.’
‘In a refreshing break from the customary finger-pointing tribalism of British politics, Anthony King and Ivor Crewe lay bare the ways in which governments of all hues have wasted mountains of cash on titanically misconceived projects in the past few decades… astonishing.’
‘Fascinating and zeitgeisty.’
‘Compelling…David Cameron is said to have read about Winston Churchill’s early warmongering during his summer holidays. It would have been much better for all of us if he had read this.’
‘Grimly entertaining… This book should be a compulsory text for every would-be minister and permanent secretary.’
‘This is an astonishing achievement – that very rare thing, a genuinely original book and an immediately essential guide to the failures of British politics. King and Crewe go deep, without a shred of pomposity or a phrase of false rhetoric. From now on, every political journalist, civil servant and would-be minister needs to start here.’
‘A powerful new book.’
‘The closest politics gets to pornography.’
‘From two of our most brilliant political analysts…[a] thoroughly entertaining and erudite history of great British debacles.’
‘Clever and absorbing.’
‘Timely and intelligent.’
‘Rivetingly told…a feast of fiascos, a banquet of balls-ups.’
‘Illuminating and disturbing.’
‘One of the hottest books of the season.’
‘Excellent… This book is essential reading.’
Alistair Darling
‘Enthralling.’
