House of Books & Friends is thrilled to announce we are hosting John Bowers KC on Wednesday 24th April for a conversation with Jim Hancock on his new book, Downward Spiral.

The event will take place from 6pm-7:30pm, discussing the decline in public faith in the authorities, followed by an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.

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? In this eye-opening book, veteran KC John Bowers presents a fearless examination of the decline in ethical standards before, during and after the Johnson government. Through interviews with political insiders, Bowers provides analysis of scandals such as partygate, Greensill and the revolving door with the private sector.

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.