Trading Information

the long version

"Trading Information reveals the largely unexplored world of the leaker and exposes the hidden trade in confidential documents. Politicians, ministerial aides and spin doctors hope to gain favourable coverage by offering exclusive stories to the news media. They find willing accomplices in journalists, only too eager to exploit the illicitly gained data supplied by leakers and information traders. Deliberate leaking of ministerial decisions in advance of official announcements has become almost institutionalised under Tony Blair's government, and the leading offenders within the government are named and described in detail here." "Trading Information examines the factors which have given rise to the expanding trade in unauthorised disclosures under both Labour and Conservative governments. A leaker himself, in the 'Bastardgate' controversy involving John Major, the author has interviewed a group of serial leakers and gives first-hand accounts of their methods and their motives. Nicholas Jones gives the insight of a BBC insider into the unauthorised briefings given by the late Dr. David Kelly."--BOOK JACKET.