Did you know that on general election night, the candidates are told who’s won before they stand together as the returning officer reads out the numbers?
That’s the first (and least troubling) of many surprises about our political system in Caroline Lucas’ book.
As the UK’s only Green MP, she writes as an outsider on the inside, shocked at how Parliament’s arcane rules and clubby attitude restrict opportunities for change.
Lucas claims the book is no manifesto – although it hits all the major topics one would – and it’s at its best when weaving her level-headed policy ideas with real experiences (attending an arms trade exhibition and being arrested at an anti-fracking protest are highlights in this regard).
She is not above comparing George Osborne and the Treasury to “practised assassins”, but it’s such frank individuality that makes this book the most engaging piece of electioneering for 7 May 2015 yet.
Book Review: Honourable Friends? Parliament And The Fight For Change by Caroline Lucas MP
