How Westminster Works . . . and Why It Doesn't

by Ian Dunt

Features and Audio exclusive interview with Dorian Lynskey

British politics is broken.

Anyone sitting down to watch the news will get the sense that something has gone terribly wrong. We have prime ministers who detonate the economy, secretaries of state who are intellectually incapable of doing the job and MPs who seem temperamentally unsuited to the role. Expertise is denigrated. Lies are rewarded. And deep-seated, long-lasting national problems go permanently unresolved. Most of us have a sense that the system doesn't work, but we struggle to articulate exactly why. Our political and financial system is cloaked in secrecy, archaic terminology, ancient custom and impenetrable technical jargon.

Lifting the lid on British politics, How Westminster Works... and Why It Doesn't exposes every aspect of the system in a way that can be understood and challenged, from the heights of Downing Street to the depths of the nation's newsrooms, from the hallways of the civil service to the green benches of the Commons.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Audiobook, History, Journalism, Society, British Literature

11 pages, Audible Audio

Published April 14, 2023

Reviews

[William Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought-provoking book that should be widely read not just in the UK but globally. Insightful. Biting. Original.

The import of the book can be summed up by its last line:

“Change will not come from the generosity of those who benefit from the existing state of affairs. It will come from the sustained challenge of those that do not.”

How true. And how universal.

[Thomas Goddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simply the best explanation I have ever read on the workings and stallings of British Government. Eminently readable and held a ground of neutrality throughout.

I was really shocked by how engaged I was. I’m not even sure why I picked this one up. I’d developed a real politicophobia over the last five years and viewed it largely as a barren landscape of idiocy and corruption. So when this one landed on the shelf at the bookshop, I just decided to pick it up and have a little browse. Instantly it gripped me.

The book lays out, clearly and concisely, the reasons why our government has failed us so spectacularly. And the worst thing is that it is an utterly open secret amongst all concerned.

Dunt writes with a real flair, he knows how to get his points across in the clearest way possible.

And he doesn’t halt at the border between politicians and journalists. He gets stuck into both and shows how journalists work alongside the powers to mislead the public. Mostly due to professional apathy.

I think that everyone should read this book.

Most surprising of all, it has totally reshaped my opinion of the House of Lords.

Honestly, I challenge you to test your metal with this one. If you are politically sensitive and hold your MP in high esteem... read this book and wrestle with the truth.

If you think the lot of them are corrupt... learn the other elements at work... fatigue and Machiavellian backstabbing of the highest order leaves so many MPs just floored and unable to cope long enough to do what they would like. There are good ones. They’re just hamstrung.

Hats off to Dunt for this incredible book. Bring back journalism of this calibre and implement his suggestions for the good of us all!

It is clear that voting alone will fix nothing.

[Sifa Poulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.

This is a fascinating and deeply unsettling read - and the fact that it is unsettling should make it a necessary read for everyone in the UK.

This is an in-depth, unpartisan, searing expose of how the British political system works - or, rather, how it barely limps along in a dysfunctional mess. It dismantles a lot of the myth and deliberate obfuscation around the different parts of the political machine and how they're set up in nice, plain English so it's easy to understand (and then go "what? That's really how it works?")

It's fascinating to understand it all. There was so much I didn't know (and the book frequently points out that this lack of general understanding is the point, in order to maintain top level control.) Yes, this does lead to some disbelief and concern about how it's run (or not!) but that's the point. By laying it out, by giving the reader the knowledge to empower them, it's a rallying call for deep, systematic change. And the book comes with suggestions for how some of the needed changed might be implemented, ending the book on an action point, rather than leaving you in disillusioned stagnation.

It is all supported by a lot of research. Pretty much every point is underscored by at least one quote from someone within the political system (from all levels, parties, and departments.) This not only gives confidence that what's being said is correct, but also underscores the need for change.

I highly recommend everyone in the UK reads this, to understand what is happening in government on the mechanical level. Knowledge is empowerment, and this is the sort of change where a knowledgeable public putting pressure is a good way forwards.

[John Holmes · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a lot that is valuable here: the identification of misaligned incentives, the descriptions of Westminster procedure, highlighting the positive role of select committees and, more surprisingly, the Lords. There are also lovely accounts of some problems such as the I'm practicalities of Downing Street as a modern workplace.

However, Dunt persistently undermines his arguments with exaggeration and rhetoric. It is not enough for Ministers to lack expertise. They must be ignorant of even the basics. Westminster does not just pass bad laws, it passes almost exclusively bad laws. The Prime Minister does not just benefit from having weak backbenchers, it wants only supine and ignorants MPs. These exaggerations miss basic counter-arguments and and leave the reader feeling Dunt is more interested in making his broader point than an accurate analysis of the problem.

It's a shame as he is persuasive when he sets aside the rhetoric. The final chapter of solutions might be a little breezey, airily acknowledging trade-offs rather than subjecting them to proper analysis, but it demonstrates effectively that there a large and small practical steps that a willing government or other actors can take.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A ruthless book. Dunt systematically eviscerates the government level by level and leaves you with no illusions. Parts made me feel sick, angry and hopeless but also morbidly fascinated.

I listened to an audiobook version of this, read by the author, but i might have to buy a physical copy for rereading and annotation of key facts.

[Harith Menon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prior to finishing this book, I had been on an uncomfortably long streak of starting a book, getting halfway through it and never opening it again. Honestly, it just felt nice to finish this one.

[Julie Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I had a pretty good grasp of politics in this country when I came to this book. After all, I am a qualified lawyer, so I have studied our constitution and how it works in detail. I follow politics avidly, including a range of authoritative figures in the field, and I get my news from a wide range of sources across the political divide. I have strong opinions but I believed they were well informed. Boy, did this book open my eyes to just how clueless I actually was to the truth.

This book dives deep behind the scenes of the political system in the UK and discovers how it actually works. And by that I mean how it ACTUALLY works in practice, not how it is supposed to work theoretically or how we are led to believe it works by those in power or the media. And the truth is shocking and horrifying in equal measure. Things are much, much worse than any of us thought and it needs fixing quick if we are truly to be able to claim to be a democracy that is governed for the benefit of the people.

I follow Ian Dunt on social media and now he has strong opinions but if anyone is worried that his personal feelings on the subject will be pushed in this book or make the book partisan, they need not worry. The book is presented in a straight forward, very evidence-led way with input from inside political figures from across the political spectrum. It does not laud one party and denigrate another, instead it points out the flaws that exist in the system, no matter who is in Government, and suggest some ways in which things could be improved for the benefit of all of us voters who, ate the moment, increasingly feel powerless, unrepresented and frustrated. The book is extremely approachable for everyone, you do not have to be especially politically savvy to understand what he is saying. Nor is it dry and dull, but lively and entertaining, whilst being absolutely rage-inducing at the same time (or maybe that last part is just me!)

I listened to the audio version of this book, which is read by the author himself, and it is a great way to consume the material. Ian’s narration style is easy to listen to and, since it is his own material he is reading and he knows it inside out, I felt his narration made it very easy for the listener to follow with the emphasis in all the right places. I found myself finding excuses to keep listening, as I was so engaged with the material.

This is one of those books that you’d like to press on everyone you meet, because it feels important for people to know and understand this stuff to be able to make informed decisions when exercising their democratic rights. Like Fake Law by The Secret Barrister (this was my Book of the Year in 2020 and you can read my review of it here) , it is one of those books I have been talking about to my friends when I am trying to find ways to illustrate things I feel very strongly without perhaps having the best words or the authority to persuade them myself. I have felt for a number of years now that our political system is heading for a dangerous place for those of us who believe in democracy and fairness and cataclysmic change is urgently needed before we tip over the edge. This book does an amazing job of explaining exactly why and where we should be heading to avoid disaster.

Can’t say that listening to it did much for my peri-menopausal anger symptoms though.

[Laura Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

should be taught in schools !

An excellent, easy to read analysis of how our political system works and how much we have tied it in knots making it impossible for anything close to scrutiny or testing taking place, In order for things to change more people need to understand these root causes.

Thank you..

[Lorna Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice, not too intense of a read. Analysis within the chapters on Ministers and the Civil Services felt bang on the money. Struggled through the more complex presentation of the Commons and the Law.

[Janvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing a fuller review looking at each chapter and what surprised me! Will be here sooooon :)) but was SUCH A FUN READ

[Natalia Gavajuc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolute must read for anyone who is interested in UK politics. It gives a clear but very well researched view of all the different parts of the UK political system, its inefficiencies and serious flaws while also providing potential solutions for the future. I am not sure I feel hopeful for this future, but I definitely feel like the knowledge would help the general population in influencing our politicians towards better options.

[Zoe Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is bloody brilliant

[Alison Bradbury · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this was an interesting if complex read.

This book breaks down Britain’s political system and explains how it is supposed to work and exactly why it doesn’t. This can be pretty much summed up as it doesn’t work because Politicians don’t want it to. Heavy on political intricacy this is not a short or simple read by any means, however the division of chapters by area of government allows you to dip in where you want to understand something more.

Dunt uncovers all of the areas that are failing – from the Whips (who intentionally keep the MPs blind to understanding what they are voting on and very often bully and threaten them into voting how they want) through to how Downing Street itself is not fit for purpose. None of the political parties come in for more of a bashing than any of the others as they are all apparently culpable for government failings. My big take away from this was that the opposition would like reform until they come into power themselves and then the status quo suits them very nicely. What is clear is that political reform is required and Dunt lays out some ways that this could be achieved but it needs politicians to want it to and, the fact is, they just don’t.

I did enjoy this book, but it is a little too technically complex and assumes a bit of prior knowledge. It might be tough for laymen to fully grasp what is being said at times. However, if you are studying politics or thinking of entering the political sphere it would be a highly recommended read.

[Jacob Stelling · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read in what is quite a crowded field, which succinctly looks at the problems facing the British system of government and offers potential solutions to the issues raised.

I was particularly convinced by the sections on Lords reform and on proportional representation, and was shocked at the sheer scale of the flaws in the legislative system, all of which are discussed with reference to practical examples and without jargon.

Overall, would definitely recommend this book for anyone wanting an honest assessment of the state of British governance.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A timely read. I found myself nodding with recognition throughout, and was particularly shocked to hear my own pet peeve (the civil service valuing generality over speciality) was first raised in a key report around 60 years ago! While this is Westminster specific so much of it sadly also applies to the devolved administrations and its members.

[Lil B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a number of reservations about this book which I may elaborate on later (lol), but giving it 5 stars because I think it’s an important read

[Thursday coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Dunt’s insights and explanations. His podcast with Dorian Lynskey is fantastic. This book is a timely, insightful, and well told synopsis of the British political system. Particularly useful given an upcoming general election.

4/5

[Berlandini · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very necessary, if inevitably partial, exposé of the dysfunctions of our system of government. Essential reading for anyone working in and with that system, or has aspirations to change it.

The recommendations for addressing some of Whitehall’s failings are welcome, but lack balanced consideration of the political and practical difficulties in making these a reality.

A book that may not be riveting unless you are already fairly invested in the topic.

[Robbie Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this being interested in politics but with no real understanding of how Westiminster worked. From this starting place, I found it a captivating read that many in a similar situation could learn from. 4.5 out of 5.

[Felipe Rodrigues · Rating 4 out of 5]

A scary, informative and hopeful insight into how our political system doesn't function the way it should. Would recommend everyone reads it.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

How Westminster Works and Why It Doesn't is, simply put, the best explainer of any political system I've read. Ian Dunt walks the reader through, issue by issue, place by place, step by step, in an informative, engaging way that is genuinely hard to find in political works.

This is an absolutely excoriating insight into the failures - both intentionally designed and through institutional sloth - of the UK's political system. Dunt describes, using exhaustive research including interviews with current PMs and civil servants, how a poorly designed system treated expertise as unnecessary - undesirable even - gave legislators no time at all to read the Bills on which they were voting, and ensured an entirely undemocratic centralisation of power. He goes on to explain that legislation is now often not voted on at all but delivered by ministerial diktat, how oversight and accountability are nowhere to be found, and how the electoral system itself - which has been called a democracy once every five years - can hardly even be accurately referred to as such.

How Westminster Works and Why It Doesn't is essential reading, detailing the paranoiac, schizophrenic lurching about of a system designed to make most votes for its winner irrelevant. If you think we're living in a developed country with a functioning form of government, you're in for a potentially heart attack-inducing shock; if you think the system is a failure designed to ensure a minority of people retain power under the illusion of democracy, you don't know the half of it.

[Seb5253 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever wondered how Westminster consistently excretes an endless stream of boggle eyed gibbering lunatics, emotionally vacuous war mongering psychopaths or witless basket cases- here's a clear and cogent answer ( the political abominations of Boris Johnson or Liz Truss are but the latest gangrenous wounds to blight an already weakened nation) . Running through society like a syphilitic canker, our governments policies are costing lives, patently ruining the economy and undermining the rule of law. A highly engaging book that ultimately spells out one single morbid fact : there's no game plan, no cabal of bankers, freemasons or oligarchs secretly running the show- there is in fact nobody in the cockpit. The thoroughly shattered and entirely dysfunctional mechanisms of government are now terminally failing you just as the looming threats of ecological catastrophe and vengeful superpowers merge from the mists. Still , on the bright side, I hear there's another series of 'Britains got talent ' airing soon yaay!! (Oh Jesus, we're are so doomed ... )

[Angela Groves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will make you angry. It is a clinical and methodical dissection of our government and how it works, all the way from MP selection to the House of Lords. It reveals the inadequacy of the system in alarming detail that will leave you furious and frustrated.

Do not abandon hope, however. As cutting as it is, it reveals where Dunt believes change can happen. He details for each stage of government where, how, and why change would be beneficial.

You may also find you change your mind about certain aspects of government with your new understanding. I certainly did.

All in all, this is pretty vital reading. It explains everything clearly. It's engaging enough to keep you reading whilst building your understanding. Everybody of voting age should read it, and then talk to those not of voting age about it.

[Max Colgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think what makes this book so successful is the non partisan assessment of the issues in Westminster. Dunt provides an excellent breakdown of the problems at all stages of our political system and draws some interesting conclusions on how these could be resolved.

I think this is must read for anyone with an interest in British politics.

[Josie Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this after reading Rory Stewart’s ‘politics on the edge’, and wanting to know more about how Parliament works and how it can be improved, especially as a lot of the jobs I am looking at are involved with Parliament in some way. As soon as I started this book I was absorbed. Dunt explains everything so well, backing it up with quotes from people that have lived experience of these systems and their failings. Even just this week, this book has informed me on a job I am applying to, and furthermore has made me not want to work in the civil service (for the moment). I have hundreds of highlights because there was so much I wanted to remember. Would recommend to anyone that lives in Britain, because the more people that know about the disaster that is our government, the more we can do to change it.

[George Dobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was galling. I thought the problem with British government was the players. Turns out its the game.

I was particularly horrified with the case study of the recent evacuation of Afghanistan. It makes the fall of Saigon look like a walk in the park. Countless innocent people died becuase the British government cannot reward any long term thinking or reasonable planning. Dominic Raab, who was supposed to be overseeing this was....AWOL?

I think the British people need to let go of the notion of our quiet, responsible, common-sense government and accept that our system needs to be overhauled.

[Lisa Lines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting and eye opening book on how Westminster works and the reasons why it definitely doesn't.

The premise behind the book is to help explain how our government works and how over the years power has become so centered around the Government of the day and the PM of the day. I felt that this book explained everything really well and really clearly.

Each chapter covered a different area of government and decision making bodies as well as covering the media's role in this system.

It's a book every British person of voting age should read to help deepen their understanding of the system that governs us!

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Audiobook]

I learned more in the few hours I spent reading (or listening to) this about how my country works (or doesn’t, etc.) than I did in all my years at school.

The most jaw-dropping and rage-inducing chapter in the book is a case study of the UK’s shameful response to the evacuation of Kabul in 2021. A combination of poor planning, laziness, arrogance, and above all, stupidity, resulted in hundreds, if not thousands, being left at the mercy of the Taliban. If there was any justice in this world, this - and this alone - should mean Dominic Raab and everyone else in our useless, corrupt government going to prison for the rest of their fucking lives.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent ‘dissection’ of Westminster ‘way of doing things’. It’s not a pretty picture, but highly interesting and very thoughtful, of UK’s political brain and nerve center. House of Commons, House of Lords, Civil Service, 10 Downing Street, roles and mostly ineptitude in governance….

Highly informative of UK political center..

The book came highly recommended in our recent visit to Oxford… To those interested in the way the British government is running on the macro level, this book would be considered a must read…

[Grace Bartholomew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good overview of the mechanisms of Westminster, written with lots of examples to help illustrate arguments. Probably should have known a lot of this already considering the politics degree!!

The book consisted of an exploration of each part of the Westminster process - from what members of parliament do, to the House of Lords, to how the vote works - and offered an analysis of whether is ‘works’ or not.

Then there is an ending epilogue where the author offers what he would change. I found myself wishing this was longer and potentially integrated into the end of each chapter as it felt a bit rushed all piled together at the end.

Overall it is a very comprehensive explanation of Westminster that did not assume too much previous knowledge in the reader so was simple to understand but still packed with loads of examples and ideas. So I definitely recommend to anyone who wants to better understand our political system.