Overview

'New' Labour was defined in part by wide-ranging reforms to the party's internal democracy. These included changes to how candidates and leaders are selected, changes to policy making processes, and a programme of 'quotas' that transformed women's representation in the party. In the first book to analyse all these reforms in depth Meg Russell asks what motivated them, to what extent they were driven by leaders or members, and what they can teach us both about party organisational change and the nature of power relations in the Labour Party today.

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9781403939944

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Reviews

'This is a well judged account of the many recent changes to Labour's democracy. All members who want to know what has really happened to their party should read it.' - Rt Hon. Robin Cook MP, former Cabinet and NEC member 'Exhibiting a profound and subtle grasp of the party, fluently written and grounded in solid research, this book is essential for anyone who wishes to understand the contemporary Labour Party.' - Dr Eric Shaw, University of Stirling, author of The Labour Party Since 1979 'Meg Russell's book makes highly insightful contributions to the academic literature on party politics. Students and experts alike will find it a rewarding read.' - Professor Paul Webb, University of Sussex, Editor of Party Politics 'Clear, well-written and balanced...judicious and fair in its judgement...any student of contemporary politics will find Russell's story both informative and compelling.' - Robert Taylor, Tribune

Author Information

MEG RUSSELL is a Senior Research Fellow at the Constitution Unit, University College London. From 1993 to 1996 she was a Researcher for Clare Short, MP and from 1996 to 1998 she was National Women's Officer of the Labour Party and was involved with the organization of candidate selection for all levels of government. From July 2001 to March 2003 she was seconded as a Special Advisor to Robin Cook, Leader of the House of Commons.

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