How To Be An MP

by Paul Flynn

Not for everyone the title of Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary or other such hallowed callings; the vast majority of the House of Commons is made up of backbenchers - the power behind the constitutionally elected throne.

Here is a guide for anyone and everyone fascinated by the quirks and foibles of Westminster Palace, covering all species of backbencher and providing every hardworking MP and political enthusiast with the know-how to survive life in Parliament.

From how to address the crowd, weather marital troubles and socialise at party conference to the all important Backbenchers' Commandments, How to Be an MP is indispensable reading for anyone wishing to make a mark from the back bench and influence proceedings in the House. And in the process it provides the outsider with a riveting insight into life as a Member.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

220 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[D]

With less than a tenth of people thinking MPs put the interest of their constituencies first the life of David Taylor is a reminder that there are always exceptions. Dedicated to North West Leicestershire, Taylor was a backbench Labour MP for the constituency for over a decade, spending as much time holding Blair and Brown to account as he did attacking the Conservative opposition.

Taylor was one of the hardest working MPs, researching topics in real detail, gaining a reputation for asking pointed questions and being awarded the backbencher of the year award in 2005. He died of a heart attack just before the 2009 General Election, with some colleagues feeling it was caused by the stress of being publicly and unfairly named in connection with the MP expenses scandal.

Unfortunately, biographies of genuinely hard-working, decent politicians tend to lack the salacious intrigue that spices up those of many counterparts. His predecessor as constituency MP lost a libel case after his marriage collapsed following a gay sex scandal, later being accused of trying to stab his wife to death. In comparison, Taylor was partial as a youngster to stamp collecting, didn’t like flying, overused alliteration and wasn’t a great driver. Good guys don’t necessarily make for good stories.

While Flynn’s biography paints a sympathetic picture of a down-to-earth, engaging politician, the writing is pedestrian. The short volume is padded out by including the entire transcript of a speech against the Private Finance Initiative and a section of recollections by parliamentary colleagues. Robert Caro is unlikely to be worried about the competition, but it is to Flynn’s credit that he spent time on a memorial to a deserving friend.

It may not make for the most gripping narrative, but it is important that politicians like Taylor have their story told. While it is unlikely to change anyone’s mind about our system, reading Flynn’s biography will at least temporarily remove any cynicism the reader may have about some of our political class.

[Julian Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long-time Labour MP in the British House of Commons shares an unfiltered perspective on all aspects of parliamentary life, shaped by his many years of experience. Written during the David Cameron years (in fact, author Paul Flynn MP passed away in 2019), the author shares tips and insider advice on how the parliamentary sausage is made from a standpoint of a plain-speaking advocate for decency, public service, and the humble backbencher in their struggle with the all-powerful frontbench. Full of humorous anecdotes from parliamentary life.

Found this book at a New Orleans bookstore while on vacation, and I count it as a great find.

[Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book that both guides MPs and take a very satirical viewpoint on the poor MPs. Funny to see how MPs think and live.

[Goldenwattle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a read. I'm not British, but there would be some similarities with our Australian Parliament. No House of Lords though, as here one must be elected.

[Barima Peprah-Agyemang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chronicled Taylor’s life nicely whiles at the same time explaining what an ideal MP does.
Excellent read

[Jonny Brick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indispensable and comprehensive. Due an update by a young MP (Paul died in 2019) to make sense of the last decade of nonsense.

[George Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Authoritative and specific

[Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simply marvellous account of MP Flynn's observations and anecdotes from 25 years in public life. As with other selections in this series from Biteback Publishing, the author includes a healthy dose of humour and tongue-in-cheek commentary. Overall though, the reader comes away with a vastly improved understanding and awareness of the ins-and-outs of being an effective and thoughtful backbench MP. As an added bonus, Flynn at aged 81 recently became the oldest front-bencher in over a century, following his appointment as Opposition House Leader in the wake of the Corbyn mass-defections!

[Pinko Palest · Rating 3 out of 5]

a bit of a disappointment: funny and informative at times, especially in the opening pages, with the best bit being about how to get things done, but, compared to Brian Sedgemore's The Insider's Guide to Parliament it leaves rather a lot to be desired. Maybe because Flynn seems to be holding back most of the time