James Morrison is an Associate Professor in Journalism at the University of Stirling, and a freelance journalist and writer. Previously, he was course leader of the NCTJ-accredited newspaper and magazine journalism programmes at City College Brighton and Hove, Senior Lecturer at Kingston University, and Reader at Robert Gordon University. James is a senior examiner in public affairs for the NCTJ and a member of its Public Affairs board. He has authored a number of books exploring journalism and socio-political issues, including, most recently, The Left Behind: Reimagining Britain's Socially Excluded (Pluto Press, 2022).

Blimey! I could have done with this book about 20 years ago. A wholesome and comprehensive canter around every limb and funnybone of the state.

• 1: The British constitution and monarchy 2: Parliamentary democracy in the UK 3: Prime minister, Cabinet, and government 4: Britain's electoral systems 5: Political parties, party funding, and lobbying 6: The National Health Service 7: The Treasury, industry, and the utilities 8: Social security and home affairs 9: The origins and structure of local government 10: Financing local government 11: Local government decision-making 12: Local government accountability and elections 13: Education 14: Planning policy and environmental protection 15: Housing 16: Children's services and adult social care 17: Transport, environment, leisure, and culture 18: Freedom of information

James Morrison is an Associate Professor in Journalism at the University of Stirling, and a freelance journalist and writer. Previously, he was course leader of the NCTJ-accredited newspaper and magazine journalism programmes at City College Brighton and Hove, Senior Lecturer at Kingston University, and Reader at Robert Gordon University. James is a senior examiner in public affairs for the NCTJ and a member of its Public Affairs board. He has authored a number of books exploring journalism and socio-political issues, including, most recently, The Left Behind: Reimagining Britain's Socially Excluded (Pluto Press, 2022).

Blimey! I could have done with this book about 20 years ago. A wholesome and comprehensive canter around every limb and funnybone of the state.

• 1: The British constitution and monarchy 2: Parliamentary democracy in the UK 3: Prime minister, Cabinet, and government 4: Britain's electoral systems 5: Political parties, party funding, and lobbying 6: The National Health Service 7: The Treasury, industry, and the utilities 8: Social security and home affairs 9: The origins and structure of local government 10: Financing local government 11: Local government decision-making 12: Local government accountability and elections 13: Education 14: Planning policy and environmental protection 15: Housing 16: Children's services and adult social care 17: Transport, environment, leisure, and culture 18: Freedom of information

James Morrison is an Associate Professor in Journalism at the University of Stirling, and a freelance journalist and writer. Previously, he was course leader of the NCTJ-accredited newspaper and magazine journalism programmes at City College Brighton and Hove, Senior Lecturer at Kingston University, and Reader at Robert Gordon University. James is a senior examiner in public affairs for the NCTJ and a member of its Public Affairs board. He has authored a number of books exploring journalism and socio-political issues, including, most recently, The Left Behind: Reimagining Britain's Socially Excluded (Pluto Press, 2022).

Blimey! I could have done with this book about 20 years ago. A wholesome and comprehensive canter around every limb and funnybone of the state.

• 1: The British constitution and monarchy 2: Parliamentary democracy in the UK 3: Prime minister, Cabinet, and government 4: Britain's electoral systems 5: Political parties, party funding, and lobbying 6: The National Health Service 7: The Treasury, industry, and the utilities 8: Social security and home affairs 9: The origins and structure of local government 10: Financing local government 11: Local government decision-making 12: Local government accountability and elections 13: Education 14: Planning policy and environmental protection 15: Housing 16: Children's services and adult social care 17: Transport, environment, leisure, and culture 18: Freedom of information