For a Progressive Anti‐Corruption Politics

Discontent at British politics is driven not just by the persistent cost‐of‐living crisis, but also by a widespread sense of political corruption. This is liable to benefit the far right, whose anti‐system message resonates with substantial numbers of voters. But there is a structural tension at the heart of British far‐right politics. Reform UK is riven between its activist and candidate base on the one hand, which is disproportionately petty bourgeois and concerned about corruption, and the party's backers in crypto, alt‐finance and fossil fuels on the other, on whose funds the party depends. This paper argues that progressives ought to pursue a vigorous anti‐corruption politics, so as to offer citizens a progressive rather than reactionary path to political renewal. In offering a ‘clean alternative’, progressives can reap electoral benefits, help to restore faith in politics, and safeguard our democracy from the forces of kleptocracy.