The New Few: Or a Very British Oligarchy

The New Few examines the concentration of wealth and power in Britain over recent decades. Former Conservative policy advisor Ferdinand Mount traces how a small elite has come to dominate British business, finance, and politics. Mount presents case studies from major UK corporations and financial institutions to demonstrate growing inequality and executive overreach. The book incorporates data on salary disparities, board composition, and corporate governance to build its central argument. The narrative moves between historical analysis, economic data, and profiles of key figures in Britain's power structure. Mount draws on his insider perspective and access to document the mechanisms that enable and perpetuate oligarchic control. Through this examination of modern British society, the book raises fundamental questions about democracy, fairness, and the relationship between political and economic power. The analysis points to systemic issues that extend beyond any single government or era.

Readers appreciate Mount's detailed analysis of how wealth and power concentrated among British elites post-1980s. The writing style receives consistent praise for being clear and accessible despite complex subject matter. Several reviewers note the book's effective use of specific examples and data to support its arguments. Common criticisms include the book's pacing in the middle sections and a perceived lack of concrete solutions. Some readers found certain financial explanations too technical, while others wanted more examination of potential remedies. Specific praise centers on Mount's insider perspective and his balanced political approach. Multiple readers highlighted the chapters on executive pay and banking reform as particularly strong. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (87 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.1/5 (31 reviews) Amazon US: 3.9/5 (12 reviews) Most negative reviews focus on the book's structure rather than its core arguments. One recurring critique is that the narrative becomes repetitive when discussing corporate governance.

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🔹 Ferdinand Mount served as head of Margaret Thatcher's Policy Unit from 1982-1983, giving him unique insider insights into the power structures he criticizes in The New Few. 🔹 The book reveals that the ratio between the pay of top executives and their employees in British companies rose from 47:1 in 2000 to 81:1 in 2011. 🔹 Mount comes from British aristocracy himself (he is a baronet) but argues against the concentration of power among modern elites. 🔹 The phrase "The New Few" draws parallels to "The New Rich," highlighting how a small group of individuals have accumulated both wealth and influence in modern Britain, similar to the aristocrats of old. 🔹 The author connects the 2008 financial crisis to his thesis, demonstrating how the concentration of power in few hands at banks and financial institutions contributed to economic instability.