British Political Parties Today

This important new book, one of the first to reflect the 1997 election result and its effects, reassesses the major political parties in Britain--their ideals, organizations, finances, electoral prospects and the effect they have upon British society. The authors begin by clarifying the functions of political parties, before examining their policies and the extent to which there is a consensus in modern British politics. The shifting nature of Britain's party system is then dissected, before a much closer look is taken at the structure, leadership and membership of Britain's three major parties. A separate chapter also inspects the parties of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, offering a fresh perspective on their priorities and internal organization. Although the book has a strong historical content, it also takes a sharp look at British politics under the new Labor government, while considering the state of the Tory party under William Hague. The likely effect of a more intrusive European Union is also embraced.

This important new book, one of the first to reflect the 1997 election result and its effects, reassesses the major political parties in Britain--their ideals, organizations, finances, electoral prospects and the effect they have upon British society. The authors begin by clarifying the functions of political parties, before examining their policies and the extent to which there is a consensus in modern British politics. The shifting nature of Britain's party system is then dissected, before a much closer look is taken at the structure, leadership and membership of Britain's three major parties. A separate chapter also inspects the parties of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, offering a fresh perspective on their priorities and internal organization. Although the book has a strong historical content, it also takes a sharp look at British politics under the new Labor government, while considering the state of the Tory party under William Hague. The likely effect of a more intrusive European Union is also embraced.

Booknews

The second edition has been restructured to account for important changes such as the resurgence of the Labour party, the crisis within the Conservative party, and the consolidation of support for the Liberal Democrats and the two nationalist parties. Topics include the parties' programs and Britain's political culture; the organization, membership, and authority (as well as theory) of the Conservative and Labor parties; the center of British party politics; the parties of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland; the problem of party finance; parties and voters; and whether parties make a difference. Distributed by St. Martins Press. Paper edition (unseen), $19.95. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Robert Garner lectures in politics at the University of Leicester. Richard Kelly teaches politics at The Manchester Grammar School.