I would suggest that you look into the royal family a little more closely. They, like many of the politicians over here and in America, are just as crooked as the next person. I will never understand the fascination that people have with the royal family. They are a bunch of weirdos.
I live in England, so I have visited all of these cities. Anyone planning to visit the UK should spend some time in the Lake District too. Some other cities worth visiting are Worcester, Lancaster and Newcastle. If you enjoy fun, theme parks and a vibrant nightlife, then head for the coastal town of Blackpool. Just a note- Brighton and Leeds are completely different cities at opposite ends of the country.