Parliamentary Socialisation Learning the Ropes or Determining Behaviour [Hardcover]

This first book-length study of the socialisation of MPs uses questionnaire data gathered over two Parliaments (1992-97 and 1997-2001) to find out how MPs learn about, and what their attitudes are towards, their role as a Member of Parliament. It analyzes their participation in debates, the use of Parliamentary Questions and committee work.Foreword by Peter Riddell Changing Westminster The Role of the Member of Parliament Legislative Socialisation: Surveying the Landscape Functional Socialisation: A Steep Learning Curve Attitudinal Socialisation: Clones or Mavericks? Behavioural Socialisation: Making Choices Parliamentary Socialisation 2010 and Beyond Appendix A: Questionnaires Appendix B: Selected Questionnaire Responses Appendix C: The Parliamentary Activity of MPs Bibliography Index

The British public were scandalized by the expenses farrago of the last Parliament, together with the ineffectualness of backbench MPs. The Committee on Standards in Public Life during my period as Chairman identified a self-serving culture which had developed over many years under governments of both Labour and Conservative. The 2010 election candidates promised radical change. Have the new intake of MPs the will and capacity to deliver it? This is the crucial question which this fascinating book by Philip Giddings and Michael Rush seeks to answer. It is a must read for anybody interested in the current and future health of our democratic system. - Sir Alistair Graham, Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life from 2004 to 2007

After the expenses scandal it is time for attention to turn to what MPs actually do and how they see their role. This is the territory that Rush and Giddings have made their own. - Tony Wright, MP for Cannock and Burntwood 1992-97 and Cannock Chase 1997-2010, former Chair of the Public Administration Committee 1999-2010 and the Select Committee on the Reform of the House of Commons 2008-10

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