The continuous erosion of politics over decades, with the decline intensifying in the last 16 years, is an ever-present silent crisis. As politics dominate the bureaucracy, and reins in business, civil society and the media, we need governance that is free of the “criminal” virus. Capability alone isn't enough. It's also necessary to have a commitment to public service. Even though the British were capable, we did not want them. It is no longer about a single political party,