In this episode of KickBack, host Professor Liz David-Barrett is joined by Robert Barrington, Professor of Anti-Corruption Practice at the University of Sussex’s Centre for the Study of Corruption, to discuss his recently published book ‘Corrupted Kingdom: Britain’s Disappearing Integrity – And How We Can Get It Back’. The conversation explores the state of corruption in the UK and why a country often viewed as a model of good governance has experienced a significant decline in public integrity.

Barrington reflects on his professional journey from historian and anti-corruption practitioner to academic, explaining how his work in the field shaped his understanding of corruption and institutional weaknesses. He discusses key ideas from his book, including “moral exceptionalism,” the “reverse Big Bang,” and how Britain’s confidence in its reputation as a clean country has limited recognition of domestic corruption risks.

The discussion examines vulnerabilities in local government, failures of accountability in major public scandals such as Grenfell Tower, and the role of institutions and “influencing sectors” in promoting integrity. Barrington describes the UK’s fragmented anti-corruption framework as a “blindfold orchestra” that requires better coordination and leadership. He also shares insights into his favourite authors and highlights the importance of transparency, strong safeguards, and political commitment in rebuilding trust in public institutions.

Link to the book:

Barrington, R., 2026. Corrupted Kingdom: Britain's Disappearing Integrity – And How We Can Get It Back. London: Profile Books. Available at: https://profilebooks.com/work/corrupted-kingdom