The issue of electoral reform has divided the Labour Party since its inception, but only for a brief period in the early 20th century has the Party been committed to reforming first-past-the-post (FPTP). Now, having suffered four successive general election defeats, the Labour Party will have to reconsider its electoral strategy if it is, once again, to become a party of government. For some, a commitment to electoral reform is an indispensable step to widen support, transform the Party, and unlock British Politics. For others, the present system still offers the best hope of majority Labour governments, avoiding deals with the Party's rivals and the watering down of Labour's social democratic agenda.
This book explores the Labour Party's approaches towards reforming the Westminster electoral system, and more widely, its perception of electoral pacts and coalition government. The opening chapters chart the debate from the inception of the Party up to the electoral and political impact of Thatcherism. From there, the book takes a closer look at significant recent events, including the Plant Report, the Jenkins Commission, the end of New Labour, the Alternative Vote Referendum, and closing with the Labour leadership containing the matter at Party Conference, 2021. Importantly, it offers an assessment of the pressures and environment in which Labour politicians have operated. Extensive elite-level interviews and new archival research offers the reader a comprehensive and definitive account of this debate.
- 248 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
eBook - ePub
The Labour Party and Electoral Reform
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Table of contents
- Cover
- Half-title Page
- Title Page
- Dedication Page
- Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- 1 Labour and the electoral system in historical perspective, 1900–31
- 2 Labour and the electoral system in historical perspective, 1931–87
- 3 The slow rise and quick fall of the Plant Report
- 4 Realigning the left and the Jenkins Commission
- 5 The end of New Labour
- 6 Debating the electoral system in opposition, 2010–21
- Conclusion
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Interviews
- Index
- Copyright Page
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Yes, you can access The Labour Party and Electoral Reform by Jasper Miles in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in Politics & International Relations & European Politics. We have over 1.5 million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.