The Hands of History: Parliamentary Sketches (1997-2007) Simon Hoggart Guardian Books, 368pp, £8.99

The days when political journalism meant fly-on-the-wall reporting from the House of Commons debating chamber may be gone, but parliamentary sketchwriter Simon Hoggart continues to sprinkle his piquant wit over the political soap opera played out in Westminster.

In this collection of columns written for the Guardian over the past ten years, Hoggart chronicles the Blair era with a lively humour. The potentially dry subject matter is perked up by the use of colourful caricatures and lively imagery.

In particular, Hoggart writes with amusing inaccuracy when reporting speeches: “The Prime Minister began with a ringing battle cry. ‘We’re crap!’ he told the delegates. ‘Yes we’re crap alright but not so crappy as the other lot.’”

The sketches, which run chronologically, flit between events in parliament and the party conferences. At times, Hoggart uses a muddy and somewhat unsympathetic manner to relay serious and complex episodes, such as the David Kelly affair.

But the short nature of the individual sketches – each accompanied by an enticing introduction – ensures a fast-paced page-turner, making this an essential Westminster souvenir.

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