Can You Run the Economy?: An interactive adventure inside the Treasury

AS HEARD ON BBC RADIO 4 TODAYDo you have what it takes to be the Chancellor? Find out in this interactive adventure where YOU are in charge, from award-winning political reporter Joe Mayes. “This clever, witty book is so much fun to play with. I loved it, right up to the moment that I was stabbed in the back by the Prime Minister.” – TIM HARFORD, bestselling author of The Undercover Economist________________________Congratulations!You’ve just become the Chancellor of the Exchequer – one of the most powerful people in Britain. The Budget is fast approaching. And as you turn each page, you’ll face dilemmas and tough choices of every kind, including bailing out big business, negotiating with trade unions and managing the media fallout from your Budget choices. Will you overspend and trigger an economic crisis, or tighten the purse strings too much and crater your party’s approval ratings? Or will you play your cards just right enough to lead your party to victory at the next general election? It’s all up to you. Are you ready?________________________“A political and economic handbook for our age” - MISHAL HUSAIN“A must-read for armchair Chancellors” - JEREMY HUNT“A fabulous choose-your-own adventure” - KITTY DONALDSON“Engaging, and highly readable” - NORMAN LAMONT

Congratulations!

You’ve just become the Chancellor of the Exchequer – master of the Treasury – and one of the most powerful people in Britain. Many historic figures have gone before you. And now the latest name on that noble roll call is yours.

You''re one year out from a General Election, and the Budget is approaching. Until then, you must manage the nation’s finances wisely in response to different scenarios such as: bailing out big business, negotiating with trade unions, and dealing with the fallout in the media from your Budget decisions. If you breach certain limits you’ll trigger an economic crisis and be sacked by the PM. If you’re too tight on the purse strings your party’s approval ratings will crater and you won''t win the next election.

The stakes are high and the prosperity of millions lies in your hands. But if you play your cards right, you’ll grow the economy, and make the country a wealthier and happier place – standing in pole position to be the next prime minister.

This interactive book will take you into the heart of the Treasury and challenge you to bring your best insight and knowledge to the task. The journey ahead will be filled with dilemmas and tough choices. But a new dawn is breaking over Westminster and the work of government must begin.

Are you ready?

• | Author: Joe Mayes
• | Publisher: Ebury Publishing
• | Publication Date: Sep 18, 2025
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Hardback
• | ISBN-13: 9781529960716
• | ISBN-10: 1529960711