A new edition updated to tackle the coalition, electoral reform, and the 2015 election and its aftermath
No one saw it coming. No pundit, no pollster and no political leader predicted David Cameron’s Conservative Party would win a majority of seats in Parliament and his three main opponents would resign as party leaders. The consequences of the coalition also became clear as the Liberal Democrats fell dramatically from grace, and lost their spot as Britain’s third party. And despite Scotland voting ‘NO’ to independence in 2014, the election result also threatens the Union, with the Scottish National Party winning all but three of the country’s seats.
In this timely edition, Richard S. Grayson analyses Britain’s changing political landscape, and explores the role of the media, the European Union and the UK’s ‘special relationship’ with the US. Thorough and incisive, British Politics: A Beginner’s Guide is the perfect introduction to the structure, parties and personalities of British Government today.
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‘Fresh and accessible. Grayson manages to convey with clarity some of the vital issues and writes with one eye on the current mood of cynicism about politics and politicians. An excellent starting-point.’
" - Professor Michael Kenny – Director of the Mile End Institute, Queen Mary University of London
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‘Combines personal insights with historical and academic context to map out why we should all care about British politics.’
" - Mark Bennister – Teaching Fellow in British Politics, University College London
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‘A highly readable and informative introduction to British politics since 1945.’
" - James Panton – former Lecturer in Politics, St John’s College, University of Oxford
