Punch and Judy Politics : An Insiders' Guide to Prime Minister's Questions

Intro; Title Page; Contents; Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1: Evolution; 2: The Questions; 3: Norman Shaw South; 4: The Answers; 5: No. 10 Downing Street; 6: The Joust; 7: The Chamber; 8: Backbenchers and Smaller Parties; 9: The Spinners and the Lobby; 10: Stand-Ins and Deputies; 11: 'That is that. The end.'; 12: Punch and Judy Politics; Index; Copyright; Advertisement Prime Minister's Questions is the bear pit of British politics. Watched and admired around the world, it is often hated at home for bringing out the worst in our politicians. Yet despite successive leaders trying to get away from Punch and Judy politics, it's here to stay. Ayesha Hazarika and Tom Hamilton spent five years preparing Ed Miliband for the weekly joust, living through the highs and lows, tension and black humour of the political front line. In this insightful and often hilarious book, including an updated afterword discussing the key events of 2018, they lift the lid on PMQs and what it's really like to ready the leader for combat. Drawing on personal recollections from key players including Tony Blair, David Cameron, Harriet Harman, William Hague and Vince Cable alongside their unique knowledge, Hazarika and Hamilton take you behind the scenes of some of the biggest PMQs moments. Part history, part inside account, this book is an entertaining and honest guide to one of the most loved, feared and loathed features of British politics by two people who know just how tough it can be.