In conversation, author and KC, John Bowers and publisher, Andrew Franklin, will discuss John’s newly published book, “Downward spiral”.

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 partygate fiasco, every aspect of public life seemed tainted. How did this downward spiral begin, and what can be done to reverse it?

John 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.   Confronting the failings of the current system, Downward spiral presents concrete proposals for creating an alternative that is more transparent and accountable.

Join us at this special event to hear one of the most important issues facing democracy in Britain today, a must-read in the context of the looming general election.

“The eminent KC John Bowers believes that our constitutional architecture is no longer fit for purpose. Downward spiral is a devastating analysis of the breakdown of ethical standards in public life. He proposes wide-ranging reforms to restore trust in our institutions. This is a book that should be read by every concerned citizen.” Sir Vernon Bogdanor, Professor of Government, King’s College London

About John Bowers KC

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.

About Andrew Franklin

Andrew Franklin is the founder and publisher of Profile Books which he launched on April Fool’s Day, 1996. The house’s list of bestsellers includes Alan Bennett, Mary Beard, Simon Garfield’s Just My Type and Lynne Truss’s Eats, Shoots and Leaves, which sold more than three million copies worldwide. In 2007 Profile Books acquired Serpent’s Tail, whose successes include We Need to Talk about Kevin (over 900,000 copies sold) and in 2014 We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves (800,000 copies sold). Before Profile, Andrew was a director of Penguin Books and ran Hamish Hamilton. He began his book-trade career as an assistant bookseller at Hatchards.