Description
Book SynopsisThis book explores the process of rebuilding the Conservative Party under David Cameron's leadership since 2005. It traces the different elements of the renewal strategy - ideological reconstruction policy reappraisal and enhanced electoral appeal - and identifies constraints from different sections of the Party, including the parliamentary party and the grassroots membership. It also explores the extent to which long-standing intra-party divisions exacerbated difficulties for the exercise of leadership.
The process of renewal has been through a number of stages and its progress has been indirect rather than linear. Although the project has been relatively successful in some respects the extent to which it has created a new Conservative Party remains contested. This book provides essential background and analysis, and will be of interest to students and scholars of British politics and government.
Table of ContentsIntroduction: The politics of Conservative renewal - Gillian Peele and John Francis
1. David Cameron's leadership and Conservative renewal - Gillian Peele
2. Constructing a new Conservatism? Ideology and values - Richard Hayton
3. Policies under Cameron: modernisation abandoned - Peter Dorey
4. The Conservative Party and a changing electorate - Matthew Burbank and John Francis
5. The parliamentary party - Philip Cowley, Mark Stuart and Tiffany Trenner-Lyle
6. Continuing fault lines and new threats: European integration and the rise of UKIP - Philip Lynch and Richard Whitaker
7. The evolving Conservative Party membership - Tim Bale and Paul Webb
Conclusion: A limited Conservative renewal? - Gillian Peele and John Francis
Index
