Downward Spiral

Collapsing Public Standards and How to Restore Them

John Bowers KC

16 APRIL 2024 | MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY PRESS | HARDBACK | £20.00

‘In this book, I ask whether there has been, in recent years, an overall decline in public standards that is likely to last. Answering this requires a careful assessment of the character and record of Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson. More than anyone else in living memory, he stands accused of bringing the office of Prime Minister into disrepute… But this book is not just about Johnson. The decline did not start with him and arguably the spiral has continued since his departure. This is a good time to look at how we police ethics in public life, at who does that policing and what needs to change.’ John Bowers KC

The Johnson era will be remembered for a series of scandals that severely eroded trust

in the British government. From questionable PPE tenders and public appointments to

the ‘party gate’ 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. He focuses on the institutions responsible

for holding the government accountable, exposing how they have been bypassed by

prime ministers determined to impose their agenda. Through interviews with political

insiders, Bowers provides analysis of scandals such as Party gate, Greensill and the

revolving door with the private sector. He 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.

Rishi Sunak entered Number 10 on the promise of restoring integrity, but it is

clear major problems remain. Confronting the failings of the current system,

Downward Spiral presents concrete proposals for creating an alternative that is more

transparent and accountable.

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 member of

the Advisory Board of the Whistleblowing charity Protect. Since 2005 he has been a

Bencher of Middle Temple.