Description
Book SynopsisIn recent years, the once familiar landscape of British politics has fundamentally changed. The Conservative Party in particular has undergone a profound transformation. Centre-right values that steered British politics for decades – internationalism, respect for the rule of law, fiscal responsibility, belief in our institutions – were cast aside in the wake of the Brexit referendum to the detriment of UK prosperity, electoral trust and the long-term fortunes of the Conservative Party.
But this radical rightwards shift can and must be reversed. In this bold intervention, David Gauke and other leading figures on the centre right – including Michael Heseltine, Rory Stewart, Amber Rudd, Gavin Barwell and Daniel Finkelstein - explore how the Conservative Party morphed into a populist movement and why this approach is doomed to fail. Together they make the case for a return to the liberal centre right, arguing with passion and conviction that the values that once defined the best of British conservatism remain essential both to the party and to the UK’s political future.
Trade Review"A superb case for the centre-right of politics – and a classic indictment of the deceptions of populism."
—The Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH
"In an era of superficial sloganising and breathless soap opera it is easy to forget that what really matters in politics is ideas. This book is brimful of them. The Case for the Centre Right deserves to be at the heart of any debate about how to revive the Conservative Party and the country."
—Nick Robinson
"A timely and compelling intervention in the debate on the future of Conservatism."
—Andrew Gamble, University of Sheffield
“thoughtful and thought-provoking”
—Stephen Bush, Financial Times
“I can recommend The Case for the Centre Right, edited by David Gauke, which includes intelligent essays by contributors such as Rory Stewart, Dominic Grieve and Amber Rudd.”
—Matthew D’Ancona, Prospect
“The Case for the Centre Right contains much that is needed. All those who care for moderation in politics, from the centre left as well as the centre right, should applaud David Gauke for assembling an excellent collection of essays that sets out the issues starkly.”
—William Waldegrave, New Statesman
“In The Case for the Centre Right, David Gauke, Rory Stewart and other unfashionable types anatomise populism with cool intelligence.”
—Daniel Hannan, Telegraph
