Peregrine Worsthorne has revealed himself as a Scarlet Pimpernel de nos jours. In his new book, In Defence of Aristocracy (HarperCollins, £15), the former editor of the Sunday Telegraph sets out, if not to rescue that persecuted class (of which he is 'in part' a member) from extinction, then at least 'to engender a change' in 'the present climate' of anti-toff feeling. His argument, broadly, is that the aristocratic tradition in Britain has been predominantly one of public service, of the upper classes working tirelessly and selflessly for the common good. That tradition has been eroded, and the 'meritocracy' which is held to have taken its place isn't adequate to the task. Certainly, the recent appointment of Alastair Campbell's 'mate' John Scarlett as head of MI6, following his loyal performance during the Hutton Inquiry, doesn't look like the most shining example of New Labour preserving the 'merit' in 'meritocracy'.[*] The prime minister sternly reminded the press that Scarlett was selected by an independent panel, but who can say what subconscious influence might have been at work.

LRB 20 May 2004 | PDF Download