Bitter Osborne writes book on ‘crisis in democracy’ (now he’s been sacked)

GEORGE Osborne has announced he is to write a book warning of the rise of ‘populist nationalism’ and ‘prejudice’.

Provisionally titled the ‘Age of Unreason’, the former chancellor’s book will address what he claims is a ‘crisis in democracy and capitalism’.

The Tatton MP was unceremoniously fired by Theresa May following his role in the failed campaign to keep Britain in the EU.

The book’s subject matter suggests he may still feel bitter about the result of the referendum and his subsequent departure from Government. It will be published next year by William Collins.

The 45 year-old has previously insisted that he would not be using his time on the backbenches to write an autobiography because he ‘didn’t know how the story ends’. The book will point specifically to controversial US presidential candidate Donald Trump, with Mr Osborne suggesting the Republican candidate poses a risk to ‘peace, prosperity and security’. The MP said: ‘My book is about the future. I want to apply the lessons I’ve learnt in victory and defeat to the urgent challenge of this Age of Unreason.

‘Capitalism and democracy is in crisis. The West is in retreat. The forces of populist nationalism and prejudice are on the rise, amplified by new technology.

‘The likes of Donald Trump say to people, what the hell have you got to lose. The answer is: a lot. Peace, prosperity and security.

‘It’s time to say so. It’s time for the defenders of open societies and free markets to fight back.’ He will take a year to write the book. Mr Osborne has also recently launched a new think tank to promote the Northern Powerhouse, one of his key policies as chancellor. Arabella Pike, publishing director of William Collins, said the book ‘could not be more timely or important’. She added: ‘The book will be above all a rallying cry to save capitalism, western democracy.’

Unlike David Cameron, the MP has not ruled out a comeback to the political front line. In a recent interview with the Financial Times, he insisted: ‘I’m not going anywhere’.

In the meantime the former chancellor is reportedly expected to earn £75,000 a speech after recently signing to the Washington Speakers Bureau, joining a roster which includes Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.