Building New Labour

'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.

'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

Autorentext
MEG RUSSELL is a Senior Research Fellow at the Constitution Unit, University College London, where her specialisms are parliaments and
political parties. In addition to her academic work she has had direct involvement with many aspects of the Labour Party's organisation. From 1996 to 1998 she was the party's National Women's Officer, and from 1998-2001 was an elected member of its National Policy Forum. She has also previously worked as a parliamentary researcher and a government adviser.

Inhalt
Introduction The Context for Reform Selecting Candidates and Leaders: the Battle for One Member One Vote Selection under Blair: the Fall and Rise of One Member One Vote The Quiet Revolution: Women in the Party Making Policy The National Executive Committee Annual Conference Reform Frustrated: The Grassroots Change and the Illusion of Change Democracy and Power in 'New' Labour Timeline Glossary Bibliography Index