The new edition of this successful book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview and account of the changing nature of party politics in Britain today. Webb and Bale draw on models of comparative politics in conducting a wealth of new empirical analysis to map and explain the ways in which the party system has evolved, and the parties have adapted to a changing political environment. Themes covered include the nature and extent of party competition, the internal life and organizational development of parties, the varieties of party system found across the UK, and the roles played by parties within the wider political system. The book also addresses the crisis of popular legitimacy confronting the parties, as well as assessing the scope for potential reform. While parties remain central to the functioning of Britain's democracy, public disaffection with them is as high as it has ever been; reform of the system of representation and party funding is warranted, but there are unlikely to be any panaceas.

About the Author
Paul Webb is Professor of Politics at the University of Sussex, and has held previous and visiting positions at universities in the UK, Australia and Japan. He has researched and published widely on party and electoral politics and is editor of the journal Party Politics. He is an elected Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. Tim Bale is Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University of London. Previously he taught at Sussex University, Victoria University of Wellington and Sheffield University. He specializes in party politics in the UK and Europe and appears frequently in the British and international media.

Reviews
A brilliant, mind expanding book - and very readable. * Chris Mason, BBC Political Correspondent and presenter of BBC Radio 4's Any Questions *
Eye-opening unknown insights into the inner life of political parties will grip casual and expert readers alike. Leaders who resist reforms, beware complacency at growing public distrust and cynicism, this timely and lively book warns, for parties are vital components of our democratic life. * Polly Toynbee, guardian columnist and co-author of The Lost Decade: 2010-2020 and What Lies Ahead for Britain *
In an age of extraordinary political flux, this authoritative analysis of shifting party allegiances and fragmenting political tribes is essential reading not only for students of politics but for anyone interested in the trends shaping public life. * Rachel Sylvester, Columnist and Interviewer, The Times *
When so much of the media focus is on leaders this is a brilliantly researched and illuminating reminder that British politics is based around parties...making it a must read for all those that want to make sense of the changing political patterns around the UK. * Steve Richards, Author and Broadcaster *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199217243
Author Paul Webb
Format Paperback
Page Count 406
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 1g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 156mm * 20mm