The book explores the challenges faced by the Labour Party during its periods in opposition throughout the last century, questioning whether these years were squandered or served as crucial opportunities for development. Through the lens of historical context, it examines the experiences of leaders like Harold Wilson and the lessons learned during times of struggle, suggesting that opposition can foster innovation and resilience within the party.
This book provides an essential historical background, contemporary issues are to the fore throughout and readers are encouraged to assess and develop their own thoughts and ideas. Whether studying the subject for the first time or revisiting it, Exploring British Politics is the ideal undergraduate text.
An account of British conservativism which avoids the usual confusion between the ideology and the stated principles of a party which prides itself on an ability to change its views according to circumstances.
Written to support to all A-level Politics specifications, this fully revised and up-to-date textbook puts UK politics in context with topical analysis of events today. Our team of trusted authors show how UK governmental and political theory has shaped current events and thinking.
Even before the prolonged political crisis triggered by the 2016 EU referendum, and the unprecedented challenges to government posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, one could argue that a Prime Minister’s opportunities had become heavily compromised by unrealistic media-driven public expectations. In this timely book, leading analyst of UK politics Mark Garnett provides a re-assessment of the role of the British Prime Minister, from Margaret Thatcher’s controversial tenure to Boris Johnson’s autocratic post-Brexit regime. Taking a thematic approach, he explores the impact of major political developments and personalities on key aspects of the prime ministerial function as party leader, cabinet maker, chief diplomat and electoral talisman. Much of the controversy over the position of Prime Minister, he concludes, arises from a confusion between the occupant’s inevitable political prominence and his or her – often limited - ability to achieve positive policy outcomes. In view of the enforced resignations of David Cameron and Theresa May since the referendum, the book questions whether the nature of the job has become a deterrent for politicians who hope to find personal satisfaction in public service, opening the way for individuals with much less laudable motivations.