This is really interesting read, which is written really well there were parts of the book that were more dry than others if interested in politics, it’s worth a read

My thanks to NetGalley and Elliott and Thompson publishers for a copy of “ Lobby Life “ for an honest review.

I found this a very interesting and informative read. A peak behind the scenes at political life , told in a way that isn’t dry , and stays entertaining and revealing.
A look back at past governments and political names and events that I’d forgotten about.
Recommended to anyone with an interest in politics.

Overall rating: 4.7/ 5

Tracing the history of the UK political press “Lobby” (name taken from the lobby/ ground floor of Westminster, not from the job of political lobbying) from the early days of its establishment in 1926 to the present, Carole Walker’s memoir provides great insights on media-government relations and drives home the importance of an independent press in maintaining a healthy democracy.

Thoroughly researched and peppered throughout with interviews with fellow Lobby members past and present, former press secretaries and political advisers, Lobby Life details Walker’s experience as a Lobby journalist for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), both its highlights and challenges, particularly when faced with hostile press secretaries/ government advisers/ Prime Ministers who seemed to think they could control the media. I was surprised to learn of how some PMs (or maybe all of them!) were so conscious of their public image, and wonder how they’d fare in today’s social media world. It might have been easier to “control the narrative” back in the days of newspapers and embargoes, but definitely not today when a single Tweet could potentially bring a government down.

Carole Walker also discussed the sexism she and other female journalists faced in their careers; and like other women who’s had similar experiences of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace, she wonders if her “failure to take a stand in the past contributed to the very real difficulties that others have faced”. I think she hits the nail on the head with this statement – every woman I know struggles with this in the workplace and like Ms Walker, I think the global #MeToo movement will bring about significant change in workplace cultures everywhere eventually.

Her memoir covers plenty of ground not touched on this review (e.g. how the Lobby works collectively to ensure press freedom, the support of fellow women journalists) and all in all, this a fascinating look-in into the world of political journalism, and must-read for those interested in politics and/ or journalism.

Many thanks to the author, publisher (Elliot & Thompson Books and NetGalley UK for the opportunity to read and review this book.

If you are interested in the inside machinations of UK politics, you’ll enjoy this book from former BBC political correspondent Carole Walker. “Lobby Life: Inside Westminster’s Secret Society,” tells the history of the parliamentary lobby journalists from Churchill through to modern politics.

Walker joined the pack in 1996 when “there were more BBC political correspondents called John than there were women lobby journalists”, and learnt quickly that ‘lobby terms’ meant the source of the ‘off the record’ chat could not be named as she accompanied John ‘Sergy’ Sergeant to her first briefing. She brings her wealth of experience in political reporting to book.

This is a very informative and interesting insight into the government's every changing and evolving relationship with the press lobby. It goes right back to the start of the lobby at the end of the 19th century, the date of which is disputed and continues through the many different prime ministers, press secretaries and PMOs up until the midst of the recent Coronavirus pandemic. This is a perfect read or gift for those with an interest in politics, journalism or anyone who want an interesting non-fiction read.

Great book that brings the reader behind the scenes at Westminster, exploring the relationship between politics and media. I really appreciate Carole Walker from her time at the BBC (and I really enjoy listening to her show on Times Radio!) so this was a must read for me!

If you have interest in the UK Political journalist lobbying system ( not to be confused with the private lobbying of MP’s/Peers to effect change/help ) then this book will fascinate from the first to the last page
Starting pre Churchill and including almost current events ( Covid, Cummings etc are covered ) it is the Bible for finding out what the ‘lobby’ does, how it works, who is involved and how it has changed over the years, for someone like me who worked there I was surprised how little I knew about it and really did pour over every word and thoroughly enjoyed this authors personal experiences
There are chapters on wide ranging subjects from accompanying the PM on foreign travel to sexism/racism within the lobby and Parliament Estate and insight into world events like Blair and his declaration of Iraq’s WMD alongside the UK’s decision to leave the EU and all that followed with Brexit
Obviously reading near up to the day info re Covid and Boris was more than interesting
Well written, fact busting yet not in the slightest stuffy and made inclusive for all readers I relished every page and every snippet the book told
Great read

10/10
5 Stars

I love books about secret societies. This book is it especially engrossing one. I found it informative and entertaining at the same time.