Dunt describes how the lack of expertise among Ministers has been exacerbated by the fact that, increasingly in recent decades, MPs have become professional politicians—sometimes former “spads” (as special advisors became known) like Ed Miliband and David Cameron—rather than experienced professionals, lawyers, or businessmen, as was once normal. To this end, he appointed “special advisors,” experts from outside politics in key policy areas, not only technological. 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.

It achieved some improvements before being replaced by the less effective Civil Service Learning Programme by the Conservative-led coalition government in 2011.Overall, I really enjoyed this book and cannot recommend it enough for anyone that is interested in a truly surgical assessment of the reality in Westminster - with some wider implications for other contexts.

Increasingly, they were moved around departments, no longer building up experience relevant to one department.Our political and financial system is cloaked in secrecy, archaic terminology, ancient custom and impenetrable technical jargon. Electronic voting should be introduced to allow the report stage more time for debate, reducing the power of the whips and increasing the potential for rebellion against government edicts. In each episode you'll follow one person's journey, getting to listen in on their coaching sessions with Selina and following them as she sends them off on a task to try out a new career idea. A Grand Committee should distinguish necessary from unnecessary uses; the latter should be debated in both Houses. Westminster must operate more slowly, planning longer-term, rushing through less unnecessary, poorly thought-out legislation.