The Lobbyist
'He may be a bastard. But he's our bastard.'
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Nine Elms Books
Publishing:1st Oct '25
£20.00
This title is due to be published on 1st October, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
This hardback is available in another edition too:
- Paperback£9.99(9781910533833)

Parliamentary lobbyist Damian Beaufort is a professional manipulator – clever, charming, ruthless – but when Labour wins power his Tory-heavy agency spirals towards bankruptcy. And the rest of his life looks like going the same way.
Salvation comes not from booze or sex – despite his best efforts – but a far less likely quarter: the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service. It also comes at a cost.
Beaufort finds himself entangled in a lethal web of conflicts: an internecine turf war between MI5 and MI6; underhand Westminster manoeuvrings; Eurocrats bent on reversing Brexit; and, seemingly pulling all the strings, the sinister head of Russia’s FSB.
Soon the lobbyist-turned-spy isn’t just fighting to save his agency, his reputation and his country. He’s fighting for his life, and he’s fighting for revenge.
First-time author Lionel Zetter brings dazzling insider knowledge to bear in this fast-moving contemporary thriller with a totally unexpected denouement in the Chamber of the House of Commons.
- Does for political lobbying what Hannibal Lecter did for a quiet night’s sleep.’ Michael Dobbs - Creator of novel and TV series House of Cards
- ‘Lionel Zetter has been on the political scene for as long as I have. He knows what he is writing about, and this is a cracking good read!’ Iain Dale - Broadcaster, writer and editor
- ‘Lobbying is the underbelly of politics. The novelist needs to understand it. Zetter does.’ Matthew Parris - Political commentator & columnist
- 'Too close to the truth for the comfort of some.' Paul Staines - Founder Guido Fawkes website
- ‘…Zetter's cracking novel lifts the lid on this seedy, scary underworld.’ Paul Routledge - Political correspondent and columnist
- ‘Lionel Zetter is a consummate insider… This is his first work of fiction but I guarantee it won’t be his last.’ Steve Norris - Former government minister and mayoral candidate, and entrepreneur
- ‘… he knows politics inside out. He also has a fertile imagination – or at least I hope so!’ Steve Barclay - MP and former cabinet minister
- ‘Great stuff, highly recommended.’ Edwina Currie - Former government minister and novelist
- ‘Zetter’s Westminster runs on sex, drugs and booze – who knew?’ Dr Ian Twinn - Former MP and MEP
- ‘… a compelling read’ Mark Field - Former government minister and author
- “A spicy take on the world of lobbying and public affairs by someone who knows it inside out.” Tim Bale - Professor of Politics
- “This is a book for everyone - insiders or not - and as we join Damian Beaufort on his dangerous, thrilling journey, you won't want to put it down.” Lord Black of Brentwood
ISBN: 9781910533826
Dimensions: 234mm x 153mm x 24mm
Weight: 590g
288 pages