The European Super League (ESL), which included major football clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United, was announced and quickly collapsed amid widespread criticism. Katie Perrior's firm iNHouse communications, which was hired just hours before the ESL's announcement, has been criticized for its handling of the PR. The ESL faced opposition from fans, journalists, and politicians, including UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The article also touches on Perrior's previous advisory role for Sanjeev Gupta's GFG Alliance, which has been linked to the Greensill Capital lobbying scandal. The ESL's announcement was seen as a tactical move by Europe's biggest clubs to demonstrate their power but spiraled out of control due to the negative response.

The COP28 climate conference in Dubai has been influenced by lobbying from oil and gas-producing countries, with former UK cabinet ministers and prime ministers receiving substantial payments for advising Gulf states that oppose fossil fuel phase-out. Lord Philip Hammond, Nadhim Zahawi, Francis Maude, and Tony Blair are among those who have profited from consultancy roles. The regulation of the UK's revolving door between politics and business is criticized, with calls for stricter lobbying bans for former politicians.

British political parties, especially the Conservatives, are increasingly funded by a small number of wealthy individuals, raising concerns about the influence of money on politics. The Tories received over £14m in the first quarter of the year, with a significant donation from Mohamed Mansour. Labour, while still supported by unions, is also courting private donors, with Keir Starmer's Rose Network gaining traction. The reliance on private funding, coupled with the UK's outdated electoral laws, creates a system vulnerable to abuse, preferential access, and policy influence by donors. The article suggests that a cap on donations could mitigate these issues, but there is little indication that such reform is forthcoming.

Peter Geoghegan discusses the sophisticated ways the super-rich influence politics, drawing parallels with the Brexit vote and Trump's election, and highlights the potential threat to Irish democracy.