Bearing none of the scandalous overtones it would have in the New World, the practice of nepotism in political life is an ancient and honorable part of England's history. Lord Grey, as Prime Minister in the 1830's, arranged lucrative or influential public offices for no fewer than 17 of his relations. The Cecils have done even better, with a tradition of influential official connections unbroken since the reign of Elizabeth I. Nineteen relatives of the present leading Cecil, the Marquess of Salisbury, sit in Parliament today; eight of them were members of...
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