I watch with semi-detachment the energetic manoeuvrings of entrepreneurs and executives around the world of politics. Why do businessmen (and women) strive so hard to get close to ministers and political parties? Do they have public service in mind? A deep urge to be at the centre of things? Or do they think such influence can benefit their commercial interests? Perhaps they just want a knighthood or a peerage as a bauble, the next achievement in their career plan? How many have unadulterated motives?

My six years at Channel 4, a public corporation controlled by the state, have made me jaded when it comes to seeing government in action. Ministers come and go, while civil servants try their best, but the system is flawed: legislation appears to be a process of petty ritual, procrastination and compromise. Politicians seem obsessed about staying in power and keeping their seats, often to the exclusion of the noble intentions they once had. Everything takes far too long, decisions are watered down, and fear of negative publicity infects the entire circus. Meanwhile, state control too often means the malign influence of regressive trade unions, and perverse incentives.