Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This course explores major scandals in recent political history. The course will review key events and personalities associated with these events. In addition, the course will assess short run and longer run impacts on those involved, and wider political consequences in respect to parties, elections and governments. The course will also assess changing social attitudes to political scandals.
What will we cover?
Early Scandals - Lloyd George. Marconi Scandal (1910) and Honours Scandal (1920) - Zinoviev letter. (1924) - Hugh Dalton budget leak (1947). - Profumo affair (1963). - Harold Wilson's Prime Minister's Resignation Honours (1976) (known satirically as the Lavender List). - Trial of Jeremy Thorpe (1979).
1980s and 1990s - Cecil Parkinson affair (1983). - Westland affair (1986) - Jeffrey Archer and the prostitute allegations (1986), and conviction for perjury (2001). - Arms-to-Iraq (1990). - “Back to Basics” John Major (1993). - Cash-for-questions-Neil Hamilton, Tim Smith and Mohamed Al-Fayed (1994). - Jonathan Aitken Libel action (1995) and conviction for perjury (1999).
2000s - Dr David Kelly and the Hutton Inquiry (2003). - News of the World royal phone hacking scandal (from 2005). - Parliament expenses scandal (2009). - Windrush scandal (2018). - The British Post Office scandal (from 2009) - Pandemic - Dominic Cummings scandal, Matt Hancock, Partygate, Boris Johnson (2020-2022) - Labour Leadership (2024).
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Recall and assess major political scandals over recent political history. - Assess consequences of events on individuals, parties and governments. - Analyse continuities and changes in social attitudes up to the present in the context of the scandals.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.
However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and willingness to learn from others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be delivered through a mixture of lecture and discussion, with student participation invited and encouraged. There is no formal assessment with this course due to its leisure study nature. However, students may wish to read books or watch documentaries at home in their own time to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the period.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No additional costs but you may wish to bring pen and paper, or digial equivalent, for making notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Your tutor will share related courses with you. Please also explore our Politics & Economics section for additional courses.
Ian has taught in Adult Education in London from 1996. He holds a degree in Economics and a MSc in Politics and Administration from Birkbeck College, University of London. Ian is highly committed to adult and continuing learning and has taught politics and political history courses at Morley College and Richmond Adult and Community College and Hillcroft College, in addition to Citylit. Ian has held both teaching and academic management roles including the development of humanities courses that engage and inform students in areas including History and Politics and provide opportunities to progress to further study. He has specialised in teaching a range of courses in politics and current affairs focusing on UK governance and developments in the UK constitution. He has also taught courses on domestic and foreign policy, political parties, and assessments of political leadership. He has also taught on Access to Higher Education Courses that prepare student for degree level study.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/scandals-in-british-politics1471876Scandals in British politicshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/https://www.citylit.ac.uk/static/version1768907751/frontend/WilliamsCommerce/citylit/en_GB/Magento_Catalog/images/product/placeholder/image.jpg129129GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/British politics & society228511771677135361228511771677This course explores major scandals in recent political history. Join us to learn more!002802816Scandals in British politics129129https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/no_selectionInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-02-26T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allFeb 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC180129129Scandals in British politics10384129Ian McGarviescandals-in-british-politics/hpc180-2526This course explores major scandals in recent political history. Join us to learn more!0000-Available|2026-02-26 00:00:00This course explores major scandals in recent political history. The course will review key events and personalities associated with these events. In addition, the course will assess short run and longer run impacts on those involved, and wider political consequences in respect to parties, elections and governments. The course will also assess changing social attitudes to political scandals.This course explores major scandals in recent political history. Join us to learn more!<p>Early Scandals<br/>- Lloyd George. Marconi Scandal (1910) and Honours Scandal (1920)<br/>- Zinoviev letter. (1924)<br/>- Hugh Dalton budget leak (1947).<br/>- Profumo affair (1963).<br/>- Harold Wilson's Prime Minister's Resignation Honours (1976) (known satirically as the Lavender List).<br/>- Trial of Jeremy Thorpe (1979).<br/><br/>1980s and 1990s<br/>- Cecil Parkinson affair (1983).<br/>- Westland affair (1986)<br/>- Jeffrey Archer and the prostitute allegations (1986), and conviction for perjury (2001).<br/>- Arms-to-Iraq (1990).<br/>- “Back to Basics” John Major (1993).<br/>- Cash-for-questions-Neil Hamilton, Tim Smith and Mohamed Al-Fayed (1994).<br/>- Jonathan Aitken Libel action (1995) and conviction for perjury (1999).<br/><br/>2000s<br/>- Dr David Kelly and the Hutton Inquiry (2003).<br/>- News of the World royal phone hacking scandal (from 2005).<br/>- Parliament expenses scandal (2009).<br/>- Windrush scandal (2018).<br/>- The British Post Office scandal (from 2009)<br/>- Pandemic - Dominic Cummings scandal, Matt Hancock, Partygate, Boris Johnson (2020-2022)<br/>- Labour Leadership (2024).</p>- Recall and assess major political scandals over recent political history.<br/>- Assess consequences of events on individuals, parties and governments.<br/>- Analyse continuities and changes in social attitudes up to the present in the context of the scandals.This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.<br/><br/> However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills. <br/><br/> Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and willingness to learn from others.The course will be delivered through a mixture of lecture and discussion, with student participation invited and encouraged. There is no formal assessment with this course due to its leisure study nature. However, students may wish to read books or watch documentaries at home in their own time to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the period.No additional costs but you may wish to bring pen and paper, or digial equivalent, for making notes.<p>Your tutor will share related courses with you. Please also explore our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/history-culture-and-writing/politics-and-world-affairs">Politics & Economics section</a> for additional courses.</p>Politics & economicsBritish politics & societyvirtual10312984HPC180NONEThu26/02/26 - 19/03/2610:15 - 12:1510:1512:154 sessions (over 4 weeks)41 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetIan McGarvieBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-02-26T00:00:00+00:00Feb 2026Culture, history & humanities129129Scandals in British politicsscandals-in-british-politics/hpc180-2526This course explores major scandals in recent political history. Join us to learn more!0000-Available|2026-02-26 00:00:00This course explores major scandals in recent political history. The course will review key events and personalities associated with these events. In addition, the course will assess short run and longer run impacts on those involved, and wider political consequences in respect to parties, elections and governments. The course will also assess changing social attitudes to political scandals.This course explores major scandals in recent political history. Join us to learn more!<p>Early Scandals<br/>- Lloyd George. Marconi Scandal (1910) and Honours Scandal (1920)<br/>- Zinoviev letter. (1924)<br/>- Hugh Dalton budget leak (1947).<br/>- Profumo affair (1963).<br/>- Harold Wilson's Prime Minister's Resignation Honours (1976) (known satirically as the Lavender List).<br/>- Trial of Jeremy Thorpe (1979).<br/><br/>1980s and 1990s<br/>- Cecil Parkinson affair (1983).<br/>- Westland affair (1986)<br/>- Jeffrey Archer and the prostitute allegations (1986), and conviction for perjury (2001).<br/>- Arms-to-Iraq (1990).<br/>- “Back to Basics” John Major (1993).<br/>- Cash-for-questions-Neil Hamilton, Tim Smith and Mohamed Al-Fayed (1994).<br/>- Jonathan Aitken Libel action (1995) and conviction for perjury (1999).<br/><br/>2000s<br/>- Dr David Kelly and the Hutton Inquiry (2003).<br/>- News of the World royal phone hacking scandal (from 2005).<br/>- Parliament expenses scandal (2009).<br/>- Windrush scandal (2018).<br/>- The British Post Office scandal (from 2009)<br/>- Pandemic - Dominic Cummings scandal, Matt Hancock, Partygate, Boris Johnson (2020-2022)<br/>- Labour Leadership (2024).</p>- Recall and assess major political scandals over recent political history.<br/>- Assess consequences of events on individuals, parties and governments.<br/>- Analyse continuities and changes in social attitudes up to the present in the context of the scandals.This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.<br/><br/> However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills. <br/><br/> Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and willingness to learn from others.The course will be delivered through a mixture of lecture and discussion, with student participation invited and encouraged. There is no formal assessment with this course due to its leisure study nature. However, students may wish to read books or watch documentaries at home in their own time to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the period.No additional costs but you may wish to bring pen and paper, or digial equivalent, for making notes.<p>Your tutor will share related courses with you. Please also explore our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/history-culture-and-writing/politics-and-world-affairs">Politics &amp; Economics section</a> for additional courses.</p>Politics & economicsBritish politics & societyconfigurable
135361677British politics & societyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs/british-politics-society1/2/285/1177/1677/135361/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/British politics & society
