The Westminster Book Awards presented by the Booksellers Association and the Publishers Association (formerly known as the Parliamentary Book Awards) has this week announced this year’s shortlists. They include books from Alexei Navalny, Mishal Husain, Caroline Lucas and Jess Phillips.

Now in their ninth year, the awards recognise excellent political writing across three categories: Best Non-Fiction or Fiction by a Parliamentarian, Best Biography by a Parliamentarian and Best Political Book by a Non-Parliamentarian.

Publishers were invited to nominate books for the awards and booksellers selected the shortlists. Voting is now open for parliamentarians to decide the winner in each category and will close on Wednesday 15th January. Winners will be presented with their awards at the Houses of Parliament on 12th February 2025.

The Shortlist for the 2025 Westminster Book Awards

Best Fiction or Non-Fiction book by a Parliamentarian:

Another England: How to Reclaim Our National Story by Caroline Lucas

Caroline Lucas explores our rich literary heritage to uncover insights into today’s most urgent challenges—be it the enduring impacts of Empire, the fight for constitutional reform, or the escalating climate crisis. Through this lens, she envisions an alternative Englishness: one that unites us in the pursuit of a greener, more equitable future.

Let’s Be Honest by Jess Phillips

From culture wars to sensational headlines, it's evident that politics has lost some of its integrity, and we've all paid the price. If it weren't for the near-disastrous impact on nearly every facet of public life, the situation might even seem absurd. Our standards have slipped—but we deserve better.

Jess Phillips holds steadfast to her belief in democracy, finding reasons for hope in the people she encounters, even when politicians often fall short. This book serves as both a bittersweet critique of Westminster's recent years and a powerful call to restore honesty in politics. It will provoke your anger, lift your spirits, and inspire hope.

The Inequality of Wealth by Liam Byrne

In this compelling new book, former Treasury Minister Liam Byrne examines the rapid rise of wealth inequality, warning of its devastating impact on society, the economy, and politics. He explores where mainstream economics has gone astray and presents a bold yet practical plan to revive an old but powerful ideal: the wealth-owning democracy.

Drawing from discussions with world leaders, policymakers, and experts from the OECD, World Bank, and IMF, Byrne offers a roadmap for change that is both radical and realistic. With five actionable steps, he charts a path back to common sense and fairness in the distribution of wealth.

While the future may not be a utopia, Byrne envisions a world where we can live longer, healthier, happier, and more prosperous lives—if we act now.

Best Biography by a Parliamentarian:

Harold Wilson Twentieth Century Man by Alan Johnson

This book offers a rare chance to explore the perspective of a senior Labour politician from the 2000s on the career of a Labour leader and Prime Minister who shaped the 1960s and 70s.

A must-read for fans of Citizen Clem by John Bew, Ernest Bevin: Labour's Churchill by Andrew Adonis, or The Prime Ministers by Iain Dale, this volume is a valuable addition to The Prime Ministers Series.

Rivals in the Storm: How Lloyd George Seized Power, Won the War and Lost His Government by Damian Collins

This vivid biography, told in cinematic snapshots, captures the life of David Lloyd George, one of history's most remarkable statesmen. Experienced MP and author Damian Collins delves into Lloyd George's extraordinary journey, examining how his bold personality shaped British politics, drove progressive reforms, and influenced critical moments in history. From steering the Allies to victory in the First World War to forging an enduring alliance with America, Lloyd George’s impact was profound.

This compelling biography also explores the personal and political struggles behind his triumphs, from his emergence as a dominant political figure to the fallout following his resignation. Through detailed accounts of pivotal moments and heated rivalries, Collins provides an intimate view of the decisions and debates that defined Lloyd George's career—and reveals how a man of such extraordinary achievement ultimately fell short of his own lofty aspirations.

Eight Weeks by Baroness Lola Young

A profoundly moving and inspiring memoir that chronicles the extraordinary life of Baroness Young of Hornsey, from her early years in foster care to her historic role as one of the first Black women in the House of Lords. 

Beautifully written and deeply insightful, this memoir sheds light on the experience of being a child in care and a Black child in a white family. It is a vital contribution to contemporary Black British history and a spirited narrative of hope and perseverance.

Best book by a Non-Parliamentarian:

Patriot by Alexei Navalny

A fearless and powerful memoir from a political opposition leader who sacrificed everything for his beliefs. Alexei Navalny began writing Patriot after surviving a near-fatal poisoning in 2020. In this extraordinary memoir, he shares the full story of his life: his youth, his journey to activism, his marriage and family, his unyielding fight against an oppressive superpower determined to silence him, and his steadfast belief that change is inevitable.

Written with the passion, wit, and courage that made him a global symbol of resistance, Patriot serves as Navalny's final message to the world. It is a moving account of his years in one of the world’s harshest prisons, a profound reminder of the enduring importance of individual freedom, and an inspiring call to continue the fight for justice and democracy.

Broken Threads: My Family From Empire to Independence by Mishal Husain

An extraordinary family memoir from acclaimed newsreader and journalist, Mishal Husain, uncovering the story of her grandparents' lives amidst empire, political upheaval and partition.

The lives of Mishal Husain's grandparents changed forever in 1947, as the new nation states of India and Pakistan were born. For years she had a partial story, a patchwork of memories and anecdotes: hurried departures, lucky escapes from violence and homes never seen again.

Decades later, the fragment of an old sari sent Mishal on a journey through time, using letters, diaries, memoirs and audio tapes to trace four lives shaped by the Raj, a world war, independence and partition.

The Lie of the Land by Guy Shrubsole

Our landowning elite are paid billions of taxpayer pounds to be good stewards. But these same landowners have carelessly trampled over our best-loved landscapes, leaving the rivers polluted, fenlands drained, and moorlands burned.

Guy Shrubsole has travelled across Britain to expose the lie and meet the communities fighting back to restore our lost landscapes. This is a bold, shared vision for our nation's wild places, and how we can treat them with the awe and care they deserve.

Failed State by Sam Freedman

Why does nothing work in Britain?

It's harder than ever to get a GP appointment. Burglaries go unpunished. Rivers are overrun with sewage. Real wages have been stagnant for years, even as the cost of housing rises inexorably. Why is everything going wrong at the same time?

It's easy to blame dysfunctional politicians who are out for themselves. But, in reality, it's more complicated. Politicians can make things better or worse, but all work within our state institutions. And ours are utterly broken.

In Failed State, Sam Freedman, one of Britain's leading policy experts, offers a devastating analysis of where we've gone wrong. With historical depth and plenty of infuriating examples, he explains why British governance has fallen so far behind. Speaking to politicians of all stripes, civil servants and workers on the frontline, this book bursts with insight on the real problems that are so often hidden from the front pages. The result is a witty, landmark book that paves the way for a fairer and more prosperous Britain.

Goodbye to Russia by Sarah Rainsford

In 2021, BBC journalist Sarah Rainsford set out to write a book about how Russians who dared to think differently to the Putin regime were being labelled as enemies, foreign agents and even traitors. It was to chart Russia's slide from democracy and warn of where the crushing of liberties could lead. She had experienced something of that herself when she was expelled from Moscow as a supposed 'security threat'.

The culmination of many years of on-the-ground reporting, Goodbye to Russia shines a light on the attacks on freedom that she has witnessed and paints an intimate portrait of the individuals who have tried to resist.

Dan Conway, CEO of the Publishers Association, said:

“The Westminster Book Awards showcase the very best political books and this year’s shortlists cover a range of important and thought-provoking subjects both nationally and internationally. The awards are a highlight of the publishing and political calendar and I am hugely looking forward to welcoming Parliamentarians, authors, publishers and booksellers to the House of Commons in February to celebrate these books and their authors.”

Meryl Halls, Managing Director of the Booksellers Association, commented:

“We are delighted to see such strong shortlists for all the categories of the newly named Westminster Book Awards.  The awards ceremony is a highlight of the year, bringing together MPs and Peers with booksellers and publishers, and is a great moment to celebrate the breadth of writing by and about Parliamentarians, and that focussing on our politics and our political landscape – at a time where politics has never been more important.”

The Westminster Book Awards (under the name Parliamentary Book Awards) were launched in 2016 by the Booksellers Association and the Publishers Association to celebrate the best of political writing and acknowledge the important link between politics and the book world.

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