Rivers are overrun with sewage. Real wages have been stagnant for years. The cost of housing rises inexorably. Why is everything going wrong at the same time? Government administrations blame external circumstances, the public blames politicians, but in reality it’s more complicated. Politicians can make things better or worse, but all work within our state institutions. And ours, says Freedman, are utterly broken.

This book is a devastating analysis of where we’ve gone wrong. With historical depth and plenty of infuriating examples, Sam Freedman explains why British governance has fallen so far behind what is needed. Speaking to politicians of all persuasions, civil servants and workers on the frontline, this book is full of insights on the real problems that are so often hidden from the front pages. The result is a witty, landmark book that paves the way for a fairer and more prosperous Britain.

'We can only hope that every member of the new government will read and digest this book' – DAVID AARONOVITCH

'Brilliantly timed and frighteningly true' – SIR ANTHONY SELDON

'Fantastic. An exquisite analysis' – THE SECRET BARRISTER