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Downward spiral
Collapsing public standards and how to restore them
Brief 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...
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See moreThis book draws on the author's expertise as a KC and original interviews with political insiders to tell the story of declining ethical standards during the government of Boris Johnson and propose concrete reforms.
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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.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781526197245
Publisher: Manchester University Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 07 April 2026
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Manchester University Press
Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 21.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 292g
Pages: 328
About the Author
John Bowers KC is Principal of Brasenose College, University of Oxford. He was called to the Bar in 1979 and took silk in 1998. Described as 'an employment law rock star', he is the author of fifteen books, including Bowers on Employment Law, The Law of Industrial Action and Trade Union Recognition and Whistleblowing. He is a former chair of Bar Disciplinary Summary Tribunals and a member of the Bar Council's Race Relations Committee. Since 2005 he has been a Bencher of Middle Temple.
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