Jeremy Paxman - The Political Animal

52 Books in 52 weeks - Book 2

A well-researched and anecdotal book about the men and women who think it is a good idea to help run the country. The book is funny in places and educational in others. Some facts in the book will be known to people with a basic grasp of the political system, but there is enough information in here for most people to learn a few things. Paxman does have a few ‘stock’ phrases that he uses several times over that gives you the impression that you have read something like that before, and some topics come up in more than one place in the book, however, generally the book is well-written and informative in the motivation, conviction and ego of the politician and what makes them tick. The book was published in 2002 so does not cover the last election or more recent political scandals. The ten chapters are divided as thus:

*Chapter One* Out of the Mouth of Babes and Sucklings….

This chapter covers the early days of prime ministers, opposition leaders and chief cabinet members and reveals startling similarities in their family backgrounds and education.

*Chapter Two* Getting On

This features information and anecdotes on what politicians did in their youth, and their early involvements with various political organisations such as the Oxford Union of the Young Conservatives

*Chapter Three* Getting In

This tell of the slog some politicians have in trying to get selected for a seat and the power (or otherwise) of local politics and committees, the canvassing and those that choose to stand as independents.

*Chapter Four* New Boys and Girls

This chapter tells how daunting the new politicians find the Houses of Parliament when they arrive and how hard it is to get started.

*Chapter Five* Look at Me!

This looks at the relationship MPs have with their constituents and how they may actually try and help them, plus useful contacts in business that may need to be made along the way.

*Chapter Six* Busy Doing Nothing

What exactly do politicians do all day? Quite a bit actually, and most of it is quite irrelevant. It also discusses the powers of the party whips to influence MPs to toe the party line to for key votes and the long winded procedures involved in getting issues on the agenda

*Chapter Seven* Power at Last

This covers the roles of actual ministers, the fickleness and insecurity of their position and the career civil servants they have to deal with.

*Chapter Eight* The Price of Fame

The impact that having a family member in the public eye has on the spouses and children of MPs and the sacrifices and privileges this may afford them.

*Chapter Nine* Feet of Clay

This chapter cover corruption and the politicians and ministers whose career has met a sticky end.

*Chapter Ten* Being History

A former politician doesn’t have as much going for him/her as you would imagine, and all cope differently (and often better) when out of the limelight.