When one of my sons asked me if I would like a book for Christmas, I chose this one, and I have not been disappointed. Rory Stewart has written an excellent account of life in Parliament during the period between the UK leaving the European Union (Brexit), and Boris Johnson being selected as leader of the Conservative Party, and there was no shortage of startling material to write about. The book greatly increased my respect for Rory Stewart as he comes across as a very honest man who just wants to get things done without playing games. It would be nice to think that he was one of many MPs who operate in this way, but political moves in recent years suggest otherwise. One of the most troubling messages that comes from his recollections is the apparent uselessness of Ministers of State. People can be chosen for these high profile positions as a reward for loyalty rather than expertise in the political area they will represent, and many talented people are often o...