Why We Get The Wrong Politicians

Isabel Hardman’s Why We Get The Wrong Politicians is an illuminating, often humorous examination of the British political system from the inside. Hardman reveals how structural flaws — from selection processes to parliamentary procedures — set politicians up to fail long before they enter office. Drawing on interviews and years of reporting, she shows how burnout, bureaucracy, and outdated systems alienate both politicians and the public. Hardman’s tone is empathetic rather than cynical, emphasising systemic problems rather than personal shortcomings. The book is insightful, engaging, and refreshingly constructive.