The author talks about his new book, an extract of which OurKingdom has published here.
Austerity may seem self defeating but the forces maintaining it are not stupid, they are masters of self interest and self enrichment - it is critical that we consider the rational case for austerity from the viewpoint of those implementing it and lobbying for it.
London elects its Mayor in May by a direct vote. Boris Johnson, the Tory 'buffoon' and present incumbent looks sets to win again over Ken Livingstone, who seems bereft of sparkle and substance. But what are the peculiar politics of Boris? How has he turned Thatcherism into something people want to