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Let's Be Honest
Can you imagine a world where politics functioned, every politician told the truth, and the government cared about the electorate more than elections?
Although it feels like an impossible dream, it should be reality. With humour and candour Jess Phillips exposes what’s going wrong – and what we can do about it.
From culture wars to clickbait, it’s fair to say that politics has been reduced to electioneering, and we’re all suffering as a result. If it wasn’t destroying the country, it would almost be funny. But we have let our standards drop – and it’s time to raise our expectations and demand better.
Jess Phillips believes in democracy, and the people she meets give her cause for optimism even if many of the politicians really (really) don’t. At once a laugh-so-you-don’t-cry take down of the state of Westminster and a rallying battle cry for the power of politics, this book will make you angry, cheer you up, and give you hope.
Although it feels like an impossible dream, it should be reality. With humour and candour Jess Phillips exposes what’s going wrong – and what we can do about it.
From culture wars to clickbait, it’s fair to say that politics has been reduced to electioneering, and we’re all suffering as a result. If it wasn’t destroying the country, it would almost be funny. But we have let our standards drop – and it’s time to raise our expectations and demand better.
Jess Phillips believes in democracy, and the people she meets give her cause for optimism even if many of the politicians really (really) don’t. At once a laugh-so-you-don’t-cry take down of the state of Westminster and a rallying battle cry for the power of politics, this book will make you angry, cheer you up, and give you hope.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2024
24 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 26, 2024
As always, well thought through, utterly frank and humbling. This will stick with me forever:
“always ask yourself if your motivation is whether you can sleep soundly at night or those you profess to care for can”
“always ask yourself if your motivation is whether you can sleep soundly at night or those you profess to care for can”
October 20, 2024
enjoyed this essay on modern politics and the authors beliefs gives interesting insights into different topics
January 19, 2025
Exactly what it says on the tin! A truly honest look at the state of politics in the UK right now. Touches on lots of different topics in a very jess Phillips way and what an apt time to read it with Elon Musk spreading lies and misinformation about her. She needs our support!
September 11, 2024
This is classic Jess Phillips, and pulls no punches in her diagnosis of what’s gone wrong with our politics in our country in the last few years. In her usual way, she’s not focusing on abstract statistics or spin, but instead this book is packed full of individual stories of misery and despair with the system, and in many ways, it is these stories which drive the analysis.
I actually listened to this book as an audiobook (my first ever!) and I think this added to the strength of feeling which comes through. With a lot of swearing and f-bombs, Jess’ passion comes through even more clearly I think because she is reading it herself.
Really enjoyed this (audio)book! 🎧
I actually listened to this book as an audiobook (my first ever!) and I think this added to the strength of feeling which comes through. With a lot of swearing and f-bombs, Jess’ passion comes through even more clearly I think because she is reading it herself.
Really enjoyed this (audio)book! 🎧
August 10, 2024
4.5 - this was a really entertaining, insightful, and informative read!! love her writing style and learnt a lot about VAWG and it’s made me hopeful to see her work in her new position in the Home Office !
August 30, 2024
Jess being Jess! Ranting about the shite the Tories have done.
February 17, 2025
Superbly written. Listened to the full thing while cleaning the house.
November 3, 2024
I like to hear from Jess Phillips, she is plain speaking, talks and answers questions plainly. Whether you agree with her politics or not, I would hope that all of us, believe what she says.
She is somebody that puts her words into actions, its not bluster.
This book, read by Jess is exactly the same.
This is a tirade against useless politicians, those that lie, gaslight, distract, making difficult situations deliberately worse with examples from the last 14 years of Tory mismanagement.
It can be different, despite it all, politics can be different, politicians are not all the same.
Brilliant, forthright, a common sense politician, its an enlightening listen. Recommended.
She is somebody that puts her words into actions, its not bluster.
This book, read by Jess is exactly the same.
This is a tirade against useless politicians, those that lie, gaslight, distract, making difficult situations deliberately worse with examples from the last 14 years of Tory mismanagement.
It can be different, despite it all, politics can be different, politicians are not all the same.
Brilliant, forthright, a common sense politician, its an enlightening listen. Recommended.
August 25, 2024
I love her.
She gives me hope.
She gives me hope.
July 17, 2025
What an incredible woman, had a lump in my throat for 99% of this book. Highly recommend the audiobook so you can hear her passion. Jess Phillips for PM !
December 7, 2024
If you’ve read Jess’ previous books then you know what to expect, easy to understand politics chat in a conversational manner, a bit like having a chat with a knowledgeable friend. This book is focused on honesty within politics and focuses on topics such as why we should focus on long-term solutions to achieve long-term stability and progress rather than quick social-media style outcomes which look good on election pamphlets and why politicians should just be honest and admit that they might not get the desired outcomes quickly or even at all.
Jess speaks honestly and I really enjoy reading her books, she writes in a way that makes the world of politics accessible to all and that’s the way it should be because political decisions affect everyone (another point Jess makes within the book). I enjoyed Jess’ straight-talking style and I think the political world would benefit from more people taking that approach. That said, I did feel that this book sometimes felt a little like self-promotion whereas I hadn’t felt that with the previous books. There were also numerous times when I felt that Jess’ answer seemed to be to throw more money at something despite her admitting that there is not an infinite money pot and that it isn’t possible without some long-term work. Maybe I misinterpreted what she was saying but for example when Jess was praising how the Government were able to quickly pull together to temporarily remedy many issues during the COVID-19 lockdowns because they needed to, it seemed as though she was saying this was how it should always be and whilst I agree they should all work together for the benefit of the country as a whole it is clearly not financially sustainable by any Government in the long-term having cost a lot of money to do so and created more debt for the country.
I think it will be interesting to read Jess’ next book (if she writes one) as a lot of her criticism and blame is aimed at the previous Conservative Government’s poor economical decisions (rightly so) and I would like to read her take on how she feels the current Labour Government fare in comparison. If you have enjoyed Jess’ previous books then I think you’ll like this one too.
Jess speaks honestly and I really enjoy reading her books, she writes in a way that makes the world of politics accessible to all and that’s the way it should be because political decisions affect everyone (another point Jess makes within the book). I enjoyed Jess’ straight-talking style and I think the political world would benefit from more people taking that approach. That said, I did feel that this book sometimes felt a little like self-promotion whereas I hadn’t felt that with the previous books. There were also numerous times when I felt that Jess’ answer seemed to be to throw more money at something despite her admitting that there is not an infinite money pot and that it isn’t possible without some long-term work. Maybe I misinterpreted what she was saying but for example when Jess was praising how the Government were able to quickly pull together to temporarily remedy many issues during the COVID-19 lockdowns because they needed to, it seemed as though she was saying this was how it should always be and whilst I agree they should all work together for the benefit of the country as a whole it is clearly not financially sustainable by any Government in the long-term having cost a lot of money to do so and created more debt for the country.
I think it will be interesting to read Jess’ next book (if she writes one) as a lot of her criticism and blame is aimed at the previous Conservative Government’s poor economical decisions (rightly so) and I would like to read her take on how she feels the current Labour Government fare in comparison. If you have enjoyed Jess’ previous books then I think you’ll like this one too.
December 28, 2025
Really enjoyed this book, I have often wondered about the writer, MP Jess Phillips, not knowing whether to like or dislike her but now I am settled…I like her a lot. Not for her partys politics, but for her total commitment to authenticity, to honesty and to leadership.
Reading the book she comes across quite even handed and asks us to be the same - why in fact would politicians do their best work without a little meat on the bone we throw them of our vote? Whichever party they are in?
She talks so eloquently of the lack of focus of identity politics and culture wars, the insistence on blame instead of action and quite rightly asserts these are fruitless endeavours. Diversionary tactics are distraction.
Honesty, the honesty to tell bad news as well as good, is critical to progress. Integrity, to be transparent about motives and outcomes, is the foundation And campaigning is the route to truth, which is why I thank goodness that its my life too.
Whatever your political persuasion theres sense in a lot of this and I really enjoyed reading it.
Reading the book she comes across quite even handed and asks us to be the same - why in fact would politicians do their best work without a little meat on the bone we throw them of our vote? Whichever party they are in?
She talks so eloquently of the lack of focus of identity politics and culture wars, the insistence on blame instead of action and quite rightly asserts these are fruitless endeavours. Diversionary tactics are distraction.
Honesty, the honesty to tell bad news as well as good, is critical to progress. Integrity, to be transparent about motives and outcomes, is the foundation And campaigning is the route to truth, which is why I thank goodness that its my life too.
Whatever your political persuasion theres sense in a lot of this and I really enjoyed reading it.
October 28, 2024
An honest, from the heart, look at politics just before the last general election. You can almost hear her speaking through the book (I guess it was dictated or 'Speech to Text' used extensively, and it helped).
She sets out to warn us that all politics is lying these days eg about 'spin': "But it's all lying to me and should be warded against". She then makes a case for honesty in politics and talks about her own experiences and the efforts that both she and her local office put into helping constituents, and her support for victims of domestic abuse.
For anyone who has seen her on 'Have I got news for you' will know that she is funny and has a very quick wit. All of this comes through in this very readable book.
I've only given it 4 stars because of her use of the 'F' word, unnecessary, and in my opinion, should have been removed by any good editor.
She sets out to warn us that all politics is lying these days eg about 'spin': "But it's all lying to me and should be warded against". She then makes a case for honesty in politics and talks about her own experiences and the efforts that both she and her local office put into helping constituents, and her support for victims of domestic abuse.
For anyone who has seen her on 'Have I got news for you' will know that she is funny and has a very quick wit. All of this comes through in this very readable book.
I've only given it 4 stars because of her use of the 'F' word, unnecessary, and in my opinion, should have been removed by any good editor.
September 13, 2024
Thanks to LibroFM for the advanced listening copy.
What a great book. Jess Phillips is straight talking, realistic and challenging to the establishment.
She gives good advice on what changes could be made for improvement and she shares some moving stories and real life examples from her past. She's hard working and tenacious which really comes through in this book.
The work she has done and continues to do in raising awareness and trying to put an end to violence against women in particular is commendable and I hope she continues to be a fine example of an honourable MP.
What a great book. Jess Phillips is straight talking, realistic and challenging to the establishment.
She gives good advice on what changes could be made for improvement and she shares some moving stories and real life examples from her past. She's hard working and tenacious which really comes through in this book.
The work she has done and continues to do in raising awareness and trying to put an end to violence against women in particular is commendable and I hope she continues to be a fine example of an honourable MP.
July 9, 2025
Funny, satirical and plain honest. I really enjoyed this - I thought I would as I loved Jess’ direct take when she was on Electoral Dysfunction but it was better than I expected. It was also really interesting to hear Jess’ take on domestic violence and violence against women and girls. I’d be intrigued to see what she manages to achieve (and what we hear about her role publicly!) in the role she coveted for such a long time. She comes across as someone who fiercely fights for what is right - we need more of those. Also excellently written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2025
It’s extremely clear from this that Jess Phillips is endlessly passionate about what she does, and how she goes about doing it. Her ambition and take on politics is refreshing too. My criticism is that at times, this felt like a 226 paged rant. I’m sure it could’ve been toned down at times, with no knock-on impact on what she was trying to explain, but maybe that’s just the frustration of being an MP!
January 23, 2025
Jess Phillips is a salve for my aching heart r.e. politics in this country. When I listen to her speak on the audiobook, I feel uplifted and inspired that there is a better way to be, and to do politics. Her passion for helping victims of domestic violence has been a significant part of her life's work and you can tell she really truly cares about the people in this country. I really hope we have more politicians like her one day. She is a true revolutionary.
September 9, 2025
The third book of Jess Phillips I read, i don't beleive it was as good as the first I read - the life of an MP, it was also a bit repetitive of the last two books, i also don't agree with Jess on some of her opinions however i do like her writing style, it is mostly easy to read- however this one was harder to read than the last two. For someone who hasn't read many books I have managed to read three of Jess' in 5weeks which is a big accomplishment for me
September 25, 2025
Read and reflect
Everyone should read this and think about how they engage with politics. It's a cry for our time. Although Jess Phillips is a Labour MP, and she does take aim at her opponents occasionally, this is not a party political book. It expresses the extreme frustration that we the people feel about how po!itics is done these days, and should be read and acted on by all of us. Refreshingly candid, funny and a bit sweary!
Everyone should read this and think about how they engage with politics. It's a cry for our time. Although Jess Phillips is a Labour MP, and she does take aim at her opponents occasionally, this is not a party political book. It expresses the extreme frustration that we the people feel about how po!itics is done these days, and should be read and acted on by all of us. Refreshingly candid, funny and a bit sweary!
August 26, 2024
Reflections and lessons learned/the content of this book made me feel…
…hopeful and nodding. I don’t agree with everything that Phillips says but that’s not the point - she says the things that make me want to listen and debate. Also a reminder of what politics is rather than the shouts against it all - so good and a great read for the cynical but willing
…hopeful and nodding. I don’t agree with everything that Phillips says but that’s not the point - she says the things that make me want to listen and debate. Also a reminder of what politics is rather than the shouts against it all - so good and a great read for the cynical but willing
January 25, 2025
3.5 rounded up.
An easy listen; motivating and engaging with lots of real life examples and meaningful stories.
It’s a strange one as it is presumably preaching to the converted, as I already agree with a lot of Jess’ thinking but all the same it was worth a listen and I’ll always think of it when I see a ‘trigger warning’.
An easy listen; motivating and engaging with lots of real life examples and meaningful stories.
It’s a strange one as it is presumably preaching to the converted, as I already agree with a lot of Jess’ thinking but all the same it was worth a listen and I’ll always think of it when I see a ‘trigger warning’.
August 19, 2025
A must read! Politicians like Jess make things happen and care deeply about their constituents. We all focus too much on the ones who love the limelight, but we too are part of the problem in Britain today!
This made me really think and question myself!
I love Jess ‘s honesty and frankness her bit about Rishi Sunak…. “Blank as a piece of paper” made me howl with laughter!
This made me really think and question myself!
I love Jess ‘s honesty and frankness her bit about Rishi Sunak…. “Blank as a piece of paper” made me howl with laughter!
December 21, 2025
Phillips’ lived experience provides insight into the reasons for the explicit and implicit dishonesty that colours the behaviour of our representatives with humour and balance. The section on the use activism and journalism as a tool to secure meaningful change was particularly inspiring and unexpectedly moving. So enjoyable and hopeful despite the stark state of British politics.
August 18, 2024
“Read”as an audiobook. My first one. Wasn’t sure to begin with, I enjoy proper reading, but once I got into it I loved it. So down to earth, thought provoking and informative. It almost felt like having a common sense chat with a mate over a cup of coffee.
November 13, 2025
“Most people have absolutely no strong feelings about all the stuff we are being told we have to constantly fight about.”
3.5/5 - very UK-focused, sometimes a bit ranting but the key message to make politics more long-term thinking, less social-media fueled is good.
3.5/5 - very UK-focused, sometimes a bit ranting but the key message to make politics more long-term thinking, less social-media fueled is good.
August 17, 2024
Tells it like it is without mincing her words. I look forward to her next book in which, hopefully, she can detail her achievements as part of the government.
August 28, 2024
Such a well written insight into uk politics!
September 28, 2024
This level of insight was really good. She is, always, full of front, knowledge and light on fucks to give but this was marvelous.
October 1, 2024
Honestly, Jess Phillips sounds so much more frustrated and so much more fiercely passionate (is that even possible) about politics in this book and really, who can bloody blame her? Great as always.
October 28, 2024
Excellent summary of what is and is not happening at the heart of our democracy and a call to action for all of us. A must-read. Also witty, it will make you laugh.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews