Introduction
John Preston's "A Very English Scandal" is a gripping account of one of the most shocking political scandals in British history. The book delves into the life of Jeremy Thorpe, a charismatic and ambitious politician who rose to become the leader of the Liberal Party in the 1960s and 70s. However, beneath his polished exterior lay a dark secret that would ultimately lead to his downfall.
This summary will take you through the key events and revelations of this extraordinary tale, shedding light on the inner workings of the British Establishment and the lengths to which it will go to protect its own.
The Rise of Jeremy Thorpe
Jeremy Thorpe was a man born into privilege and destined for greatness. Educated at Eton and Oxford, he possessed the charm, wit, and connections that would propel him to the upper echelons of British politics. As he climbed the ranks of the Liberal Party, Thorpe cultivated an image of respectability and success.
However, beneath this carefully crafted facade, Thorpe harbored a secret that could destroy everything he had worked for: he was homosexual. In an era when homosexuality was still illegal in Britain, this revelation could spell the end of his political career and social standing.
A Dangerous Liaison
In the early 1960s, Thorpe's path crossed with that of Norman Scott, a young and emotionally unstable man who worked as a dressage rider. Their initial meeting seemed innocuous enough, with Thorpe offering to help Scott if he ever needed a "favor." Little did Scott know that this encounter would set in motion a chain of events that would lead to one of the most scandalous trials in British history.
Thorpe, emboldened by his position and influence, initiated a sexual relationship with Scott. However, Scott later claimed that their first sexual encounter was non-consensual, alleging that Thorpe had raped him. This accusation would hang over Thorpe for years to come, threatening to shatter his carefully constructed public image.
As Scott moved to Ireland, he maintained contact with Thorpe, persistently seeking his help in obtaining a National Insurance card. What began as a request for assistance soon turned into an obsession for Scott, who began sharing stories of his affair with the prominent politician. With homosexuality still criminalized, Scott's loose lips posed a significant threat to Thorpe's career and reputation.
The Conspiracy Begins
Realizing the danger Scott posed to his future, Thorpe turned to two loyal friends for help: David Holmes and Peter Bessell. Holmes, an openly gay man and Thorpe's friend since their Oxford days, was unwaveringly loyal. Bessell, a fellow Liberal MP and struggling businessman, owed much to Thorpe, who had used his connections to support Bessell financially.
The trio's initial attempts to silence Scott involved paying him a weekly retainer and trying to keep him away from London. However, these efforts proved futile as Scott continued to spread stories about his relationship with Thorpe. It was at this point that Thorpe suggested what he called "the ultimate solution" – murder.
While Holmes and Bessell were initially against the idea of having Scott killed, they didn't walk away. Instead, they continued their efforts to placate Scott, hoping that Thorpe would eventually abandon his drastic plan. However, Scott's persistence in sharing his story meant that more extreme measures would soon be considered.
The Plot Thickens
As Thorpe's political star continued to rise, with his election as leader of the Liberal Party, he became even more determined to eliminate the threat posed by Scott. In 1975, Thorpe orchestrated a complex scheme to fund Scott's assassination under the guise of a political donation.
He approached Jack Hayward, a wealthy Liberal Party donor, requesting £17,000 for a "lobby for electoral reform." Of this sum, £10,000 was to be deposited into a separate account, ostensibly for party purposes. In reality, this money was earmarked to pay for Scott's killer.
The task of hiring an assassin fell to David Holmes. After one potential hitman backed out, Holmes was introduced to Andrew Newton, an airline pilot willing to carry out the deed for a substantial sum. Newton began tracking Scott, eventually making contact and convincing him to go for a drive to Exmoor in South West England.
The Botched Assassination
What followed was a series of events that would read like a farce if they weren't so serious. Scott, sensing something amiss, asked a friend to note down the license plate of Newton's car before departing. He also brought his dog along for the journey, a decision that would prove fortuitous.
During the drive, Newton pulled over and attempted to carry out the assassination. In a twist of fate, he succeeded only in shooting Scott's dog before his gun jammed. Panicking, Newton fled the scene, leaving Scott stranded by the roadside with his dead pet.
This botched attempt at murder would prove to be the unraveling of the entire conspiracy. The license plate number, diligently recorded by Scott's friend, provided a crucial link that led investigators back to Holmes and, ultimately, to Thorpe himself.
The Trial of the Century
In 1979, Jeremy Thorpe became the first and only sitting member of Parliament in British history to stand trial for attempted murder. The case captivated the nation, dominating headlines and sparking intense public interest.
The prosecution's case seemed strong. The connection between Holmes and Newton was undeniable, and Bessell had agreed to testify against Thorpe in exchange for immunity. However, Thorpe's defense team, led by the formidable George Carman, mounted a vigorous defense.
Carman's strategy was twofold. First, he sought to discredit the key witnesses against Thorpe, portraying them as unreliable and motivated by personal gain. Second, he leveraged Thorpe's status and connections within the British Establishment to sway opinion in his favor.
The media circus surrounding the trial was intense. Journalists like Auberon Waugh, writing for the satirical magazine Private Eye, followed the case closely, turning public opinion against Thorpe. It became clear that, regardless of the trial's outcome, Thorpe's political career was effectively over.
The Establishment Closes Ranks
As the trial progressed, it became increasingly apparent that forces beyond the courtroom were working to ensure Thorpe's acquittal. The selection of Judge Joseph Cantley to preside over the case raised eyebrows. Cantley, known for his puritanical views, seemed an unlikely choice for a trial centered around homosexuality and attempted murder.
Throughout the proceedings, Judge Cantley displayed an open bias in Thorpe's favor. His closing speech to the jury was particularly shocking, essentially declaring his belief in Thorpe's innocence and setting an extraordinarily high bar for a guilty verdict.
But the Establishment's efforts to protect Thorpe extended beyond the courtroom. There were suspicions that even the prosecution may have been compromised. The decision to allow Bessell to sell his story to the Sunday Telegraph for £50,000 before the trial began was particularly questionable. This deal, approved by the assistant director of public prosecutions, served to undermine Bessell's credibility as a witness.
The Verdict and Its Aftermath
Despite the mountain of evidence against him, Jeremy Thorpe was acquitted of all charges. The jury, swayed by Carman's skillful defense and Judge Cantley's biased summing up, found Thorpe not guilty of conspiracy to murder.
While Thorpe had escaped legal consequences, his reputation was irreparably damaged. His political career was over, and he would spend the rest of his life trying in vain to rehabilitate his image. Until his death in 2014, Thorpe clung to the hope that he might one day be granted a peerage, a dream that would never be realized.
The Broader Implications
The Thorpe affair is just one example of how the British Establishment has historically prioritized protecting its own over serving justice. This case exposed the lengths to which those in power would go to cover up scandals and shield their members from the consequences of their actions.
Similar cases have emerged over the years, further eroding public trust in the political system. The posthumous revelations about Liberal MP Cyril Smith's decades-long abuse of children, and the cover-up that allowed it to continue, is another stark example of the Establishment's failure to hold its members accountable.
The case of Jimmy Savile, a beloved television personality whose prolific sexual abuse was only revealed after his death, further illustrates how powerful individuals can exploit their status to evade justice. The fact that Savile had connections to political figures like Thorpe adds another layer of complexity to this web of power and influence.
Lessons for Today
The Thorpe scandal, while decades old, holds important lessons for contemporary society. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential for corruption and abuse of power at the highest levels of government and society.
The importance of a truly independent judiciary: The role of Judge Cantley in the Thorpe trial highlights the need for judges who are free from political influence and personal bias.
The power of the media: While some outlets were complicit in protecting Thorpe, others played a crucial role in exposing the truth. This underscores the importance of a free and investigative press.
The danger of unchecked power: The ease with which Thorpe and his associates were able to plot a murder and nearly get away with it demonstrates the need for robust checks and balances in our political system.
The ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights: While Thorpe's sexuality was used against him, it's important to remember that his actions were criminal regardless of his orientation. The case highlights how far society has come in terms of LGBTQ+ acceptance, but also how much further we have to go.
The need for transparency: The Thorpe affair, like many political scandals, was characterized by secrecy and cover-ups. Greater transparency in political and judicial processes could help prevent such abuses of power.
Conclusion
"A Very English Scandal" is more than just a tale of political intrigue and attempted murder. It's a damning indictment of a system that prioritizes protecting the powerful over serving justice. John Preston's meticulous research and compelling narrative bring to life a chapter of British history that many would prefer to forget.
The story of Jeremy Thorpe serves as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and the lengths to which some will go to protect their reputation. It reminds us that behind the polished facades of public figures often lie complex and sometimes dark realities.
As we reflect on this scandal, we must consider how far we've come as a society in holding our leaders accountable, and how much further we still need to go. The Thorpe affair may be a story from the past, but its lessons remain relevant today.
In an era of increasing political polarization and eroding trust in institutions, the Thorpe scandal reminds us of the importance of vigilance, transparency, and the relentless pursuit of truth. Only by learning from the mistakes of the past can we hope to build a more just and equitable future.