Growing public disillusionment with the conduct and motives of politicians is fast becoming a key issue in modern political life. This study reveals the extent of the corruption and the resulting crisis of public confidence in the governments of nine industrialized democracies.

The increasingly common use of the term `sleaze' to describe a range of conduct in public life reflects both a prevalent disregard for established conventions governing personal behaviour, public appointments, and financial interests and a growing disenchantment with politics in general. This book focuses on what has made `sleaze' such a topical issue in modern public life. Through a series of case-studies, it asks whether the UK experience is unique or whether it is part of a wider concern that an alarming number of politicians and senior public figures are placing personal gain above public duty. This book is intended for academics and students concerned with British and European politics and government; political researchers and commentators, the informed general reader interested in politics and current affairs.