We very much look forward to welcoming Russell Scott to the Book Tree to discuss his explosive book VIP Lane, which tells the real story of the epidemic of cronyism and corruption during Covid.

VIP Lane is the result of years of investigation to unpick the web of vested interests and political favouritism that defined the UK government’s pandemic response. Throughout the book, Russell reveals an eye watering tale of costly mistakes and self interest which led to billions of pounds wasted on inflated prices and sometimes unusable PPE, while generating vast profits for the beneficiaries.

The event is free to attend, but booking is essential. The shop door will be open from 7pm and complementary drinks will be available before the event starts at 7.30pm.

About the Book

This is the story of cronyism that reached the heart of government — how Conservative Party donors and politicians gamed the system during the pandemic to the tune of billions of pounds. And how the revelations surrounding the government’s misconduct fuelled the unprecedented political turmoil that engulfed the previous administration.

Former lead investigator at The Good Law Project, journalist Russell Scott details his years-long battle to expose the government’s unlawful VIP Lane. From private hospitals and MPs’ second jobs to party donors and Peers landing multimillion-pound contracts, and the billions wasted in the PPE procurement programme, Scott unpicks the web of vested interests and political favouritism that defined the pandemic response. Drawing on new insider sources, painstaking contract analysis, and previously unpublished Freedom of Information requests, this is an investigation that exposes the stark realities of power, privilege, and impunity in Westminster.

Scott’s findings lay bare the depth of cronyism that permeated government decision-making, revealing an eye-watering tale of costly mistakes and self-interest at a moment of national crisis. This account sheds light on the critical themes of trust, government transparency, leadership, populism, and democracy — forces that continue to shape Britain’s political landscape today.

About the Author

Russell Scott is an award-winning journalist and former lead investigator at The Good Law Project. His work on public procurement, government accountability and corruption has shaped public discourse and driven legal action across the UK. VIP Lane is his debut book and the culmination of years of investigative reporting into the UK government’s pandemic response. He is a sought-after speaker, contributor, and media commentator on issues of transparency, democracy, and public ethics.