How to be a Minister

by Gerald Kaufman

Written by the only remaining member of the Labour party who knows what it is like to be a minister in power. Kaufman's updated "primer" is regarded as one of the most authoritative guides to the processes of government, as well as being very funny, with numerous witty one-liners and anecdotes.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 1997

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this book is kind of work for me as a civil servant and I went to a seminar where we were told this is the book you should read to understand how Government Ministers think and work. I was aware of Gerald Kaufman before as he had memorably Chaired the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee and was always ready with a droll remark or an amusing put down.

This, rather short, book gives the inside view of a Minister on how best to operate in all the different aspects of a Minister's role - becoming a Minister, operating in Parliament, working with officials, working with outside interests etc. Each chapter is packed with great insight on how all of these things work. It was first written in 1980 so a lot of the examples of engaging the unions and nationalising various industries seem like ancient history but what is surprising to me is how much of the world he describes still stands and many of the systems and processes we use now were still in place then.

I could stop there and say this is a really useful guide to people either interested in or working within the UK Government and political system, which it undoubtedly is. What raises it up beyond this level though is how funny it is. Kaufman's witty descriptions of the meetings he goes into, his little nicknames for people, his often-self deprecating hubris and sarcasm and his gossipy anecdotes and asides, really make all of this a lot of fun to read. I am really interested in all of this kind of stuff so if you aren't then maybe it isn't for you but I think even if you are only a bit interested then this is a great place to start as it tells you all about the world of UK government and politics but in a very entertaining way.

[Iqra Choudhry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great insight into the workings at Whitehall, and the lives of government ministers. i feel like I may actually know something about the political process now.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charmingly written but the stylish approach and glut of personal annecdotes do rather tend to bury the actual advice/key information.

[Navraj Khanal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last chapter on how to leave office was interesting, although many scenarios have changed, still there it teaches us about the governance! how to govern, and the thing that political activism and governance is different, governance is art!

[Reef Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sir Gerald, the legend!
This book is well written, easy to read, funny, witty, sincere, and practical.
Much like the man himself, the book is awesome!
Good inside info of how British politics operates.