Friends, Voters, Countrymen (Paperback)

A lively, idiosyncratic, witty look at what is at the heart of our political process. Boris Johnson took notes throughout his period as prospective candidate and the election campaign. The result is a book that is outspoken and funny, and yet raises real questions about the democratic process. Have you ever wondered about becoming a Member of Parliament? Or why other people do? Or thought about the process of getting from being a regular person, through the selection procedure, to becoming that candidate for whom we may (or may not) vote? Or considered what the prospective parliamentary candidates do as they stump around the constituency - making speeches, kissing babies, knocking on front doors, providing newspaper copy? Or what difference it makes to us? Boris Johnson has been a candidate in two elections. As a journalist, he is used to writing about politicians. But he decided that he should become one. Now he is himself being interviewed. So what does it feel like, with the tables turned? What made him decide to become an MP? Boris Johnson writes about his views on the role of MPs and their historical place: what they can achieve today. He comments on life on the stump, and the pleasure (mostly) of meeting voters, on political parties, current issues, and how to persuade people to vote - all interwoven with stories of what happened to him on his way to a meeting.