croneyism

(cronyism)

   A derogatory term referring to partiality shown to long-standing friends and associates, sometimes involving appointing them to key public positions without regard for their qualifications. The term ‘Tony’s cronies’ (coined by Charter 88 in 2000) implies that Tony Blair has shown favouritism towards an elite group of influential friends, often businessmen. In the loans for peerages saga, he laid himself open to accusations of croneyism when it was revealed that several businessmen who had loaned money to Labour had received nomination to the House of Lords.

   See also: clientelism