With the prestige of the letters "MP" after his name, Bessell set out in pursuit of serious money-making, while staying close to Thorpe who he thought was the natural successor to Jo Grimond as leader of the Liberal Party.
With the prestige of the letters "MP" after his name, Bessell set out to develop his business interests, and was rapidly involved in numerous potential money-making activities. He also stayed close to Thorpe, believing that his friend was the natural successor to the tiring Jo Grimond as leader of the Liberal Party.