Nadine Dorries’ book is a mess of conspiracy theories – and a surprising truth

The former culture secretary’s new memoir features rabbit-slaying, orgies, vendettas and political assassinations, writes Alan Rusbridger. But can it tell us anything useful about the inner workings of government?

When Nads was contemplating abandoning her political career to write this book, she had a flicker of self-doubt (PA)

I’ve read it so you don’t have to – all 336 pages of The Plot, Nadine Dorries’ strange book about rabbit-slaying, orgies, vendettas and political assassinations.

You’ll have seen, if you’re a Daily Mail reader, some of the more eye-popping bits. The MP having sex with a prostitute on a billiard table while four MPs stand cheering him on. The No 10 aide – codename “Dr No” – who chopped a pet rabbit in four and nailed it to an ex-girlfriend’s door after she ditched him.

But is any of it true?