Political Parties in the UK [Hardcover]

The second edition of this popular textbook provides a systematic and comprehensive introduction to UK party politics, combining chapters on each of the main parties (Conservative, Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National Party) with an assessment of post-devolution Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Clark analyses the extraordinary recent developments in UK politics, including Brexit, the 2015 and 2016 Labour leadership contests, and the surprise 2017 general election, exploring how these events have impacted the political parties, the people of the UK and the UKs position in the world. The book also covers the rise of minority parties such as UKIP, the influence of the media and party campaigning, organisation and funding. Written in an accessible style, this new edition is an essential companion for students taking modules on British Political Parties, Party Politics or British Politics more generally, as well as functioning as a useful background text for modules in Comparative Political Parties. It is an ideal introduction for all readers new to the topic.

A fully updated and revised second edition of a systematic introduction to UK party politics. Key developments covered include the continued decline in support for the three mainstream parties and the rise of the Scottish National Party.

1. Introduction: The Development of the UK Party System.- 2. The Role of Political Parties in the UK.- 3. The Conservative Party.- 4. The Labour Party.- 5. The Liberal Democrats 6. The Scottish National Party.- 7. Beyond the Mainstream.- 8. The UK's 'Multi-Level' Party Systems.- 9. Parties and the Media.- 10. Developments in Party Organisation and Funding.- 11. Party Campaigns and Elections.- 12. Conclusion: Political Parties in the UK.

Alistair Clark is Senior Lecturer in Politics at Newcastle University, UK. He is a former winner of the Political Studies Association's Arthur McDougall Prize. He has written extenl&