This first book-length study of the socialisation of MPs uses questionnaire data gathered over two Parliaments (1992-97 and 1997-2001) to find out how MPs learn about, and what their attitudes are towards, their role as a Member of Parliament. It analyzes their participation in debates, the use of Parliamentary Questions and committee work.

MICHAEL RUSH is Emeritus Professor of Politics at Sheffield University, UK, where he was formerly Head of the Politics Department. He has written a number of books on Parliament, including The Role of the Member of Parliament Since 1868: From Gentlemen to Players (2001), Parliament Today (2005) and When Gordon Took the Helm: the Palgrave Review of British Politics, 2007-08 (with Philip Giddings, 2008).   PHILIP GIDDINGS is Senior Lecturer in Politics and Head of the School of Politics and International Relations at the University of Reading, UK. He has edited and contributed to a number of books, including Westminster and Europe: Law, Policy and Parliament (2004), The Ombudsman, the Citizen and Parliament (2002) and Parliamentary Accountability: A Study of Parliament and Executive Agencies (1995).