Simon Kuper, author of 'Good Chaps', joins Lucy Fisher, Miranda Green, and Stephen Bush to discuss the disintegration of public service in politics. They explore potential election surprises, tactical voting, and ethical concerns in British politics. The episode also delves into the anticipation of election results in key constituencies and upcoming elections in the UK and France.

Simon Kuper discusses how big infrastructure updates in Paris could reshape the city culturally and politically. Topics include Elon Musk's investment in an AI startup, Venezuela's upcoming election, and Paris' preparations for the Olympics.

Guests: Laura Beales - co-founder and chief operating officer of Tally Workspace, Ebbie Wisecarver - head of Global Design and Development at WeWork, Simon Kuper - FT columnist. Topics include: adapting office design to changing work dynamics, the evolution of shared workspaces post-pandemic, addressing challenges like acoustics and privacy, the importance of beautiful design, and Simon Cooper's DIY office transformation in Paris.

In this engaging discussion, Simon Kuper, a renowned writer for the Financial Times, returns to share insights from his new book, 'Good Chaps.' He explores the impact of privilege on political behavior, citing the narrow pathways from elite education to power. Kuper and Josh Glancy delve into the erosion of trust in politicians, examining scandals and media influence. They also discuss the legacy of institutions like Oxford, the need for reform in elite education, and the hopeful possibilities for restoring integrity in British politics.

Zoë Grünewald, a keen political journalist, shares insights from the recent Labour Conference, emphasizing Starmer's message of 'national renewal' amid challenges like poor polling and internal strife. Simon Kuper, a Financial Times journalist and author, delves into the murky world of political donations, exploring how they taint public trust and impact perceptions of corruption. The discussion highlights the ethical dilemmas politicians face, revealing that every donor comes with strings attached, questioning the integrity of a system under strain.