A short yet devastating account of how the UK sold its soul to the highest bidders in the last quarter of a century, Good Chaps is essential reading but also the most depressing book I have read in a while. Kuper lists how one government after another allowed itself to be bought by millionaire and billionaire donors, who then dictated policy. It has chapter and verse on Arab and Russian influence on our democracy and the internal money grab over Covid contracts as well as reminders of previous governmental malfeasance and the malign influence of media moguls. It is also right up to date by noting the case of Vaughan Gethin. As we embark upon a new government we have to be optimistic because we want to believe we live in a clean democracy. But as this book implores us, we need to first recognise the fact Britain has slid into a clientelist mire and needs a volte-face to become sleaze-free again. This book should make you angry.

Good Chaps by Simon Kuper: Good Chaps is the literary equivalent of what cinema calls a ‘wet print’. It’s about corruption in public life and is we head towards next Thursday, with a possible sea change in British politics in the air - it becomes a very timely, relevant read. Kuper’s main theory that there always has, at some level been corruption in public life. He mentions old classics like Profumo, Marples and Poulson. Even ones we’ve forgotten about, such as Blair taking money from Bernie Ecclestone in exchange for stubbing out a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising in sport. But maybe we should credit Thatcher for having some form of principles, asking cabinet ministers to buy their own sandwiches for meetings. From Major on, corruption seeps in British life as much as sewage seeps into rivers. He’s good on the current list of billionaires from different parts of the world who fund the Tory Party; where you can bid a hundred grand on breakfast with Johnson. But equally, the interconnectedness of British politics, where Paul Marshall can fund GB News AND be a major donor to The Church Of England. It’s a short read, lurid and shocking but well argued and even offers solutions. You should read it as a solution to a very English disease, where things can only get better. It’s published by Profile Books on and I thank them and Rachel Quin for a preview copy. #goodchaps.