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The Conversation
The Conversation
Jodi McAlister, Senior Lecturer in Writing, Literature and Culture, Deakin University

Whips, adultery and a ‘Loin King’: what is it about Tory political players writing scandalous books?

Cleo Watson Boris Johnson Edwina Currie United States Jilly Cooper John Major ​​Rishi Sunak the Conservative Party Pandemic the United Kingdom
Cleo Watson, a former aide to ex British prime minister Boris Johnson, launching her previous novel. Getty Images

Cleo Watson, former co-deputy chief of staff to Boris Johnson, was fined in the infamous “PartyGate” scandal involving gatherings held at government buildings while the United Kingdom was under a pandemic lockdown. The scandal ultimately saw Johnson step down as prime minister.

She’s the author of Cleavage, a saucy new novel set against the backdrop of contemporary Conservative British politics. Cleavage depicts an embattled Tory party limping towards a seemingly inevitable election loss. It is an interestingly timed release for those hoping current UK prime minister Rishi Sunak will win the upcoming July 4 election.

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