- ホーム
- > 洋書
- > 英文書
- > Politics / International Relations
Full Description
A forensic analysis of ethical failures in the British government.
Boris Johnson's tenure as prime minister was marked by a series of scandals that severely eroded trust in the government. From questionable PPE tenders to the 'partygate' fiasco, every aspect of public life seemed tainted. How did this downward spiral begin, and what can be done to reverse it?
John Bowers KC presents a fearless examination of the decline in ethical standards before, during and after the Johnson government. Through interviews with insiders, he reveals how the institutions responsible for holding the government to account have been bypassed, and shines a light on a culture of favouritism, where standards are upheld based on little more than the assumption those in power can be trusted to behave.
The Labour victory in July 2024 marked a changing of the guard, but the system remains vulnerable to abuse. Downward spiral presents concrete proposals for creating an alternative that is more transparent and accountable.
Contents
Prologue
Part I: Setting the scene
1 Introduction: falling standards (and masonry)
2 A basic history of standards in public life
3 Boris Johnson and the downward spiral
Part II: The ethical regulators
4 The Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests: bullying, wallpaper, parties
5 The public appointments system and Commissioner for Public Appointments: unmerited jobs and cultural cleansing?
6 The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments: revolving doors and dogs with rubber teeth
7 Appointments to the House of Lords: ermined disgraces
8 Party funding and the Electoral Commission: how to get the party started
9 The Committee on Standards in Public Life and National Audit Office: two success stories
10 The Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists and the vast lobbying industry
11 The Civil Service Commission: a few issues of decline and a few insidious features
Part III: Cross-cutting issues
12 MPs for hire: second jobs in the spotlight
13 Anatomy of a recent scandal: PPE
14 Greensill: 'no rules were broken'
Part IV: Conclusion
15 Conventions, the rule of law and declining standards: what happens when good chaps do not behave
16 Conclusion: new timber to replace the rotten wood
Appendix. Controversial public appointment cases (and two non-reappointment issues)
Index
