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This book examines theformation and operation of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalitiongovernment from May 2010 to May 2015. The authors outline the factors thatenabled the union, including economic circumstances, parliamentary politics,the initially amicable relationship established between David Cameron and NickClegg, and the apparent ideological closeness of Conservative modernisers andOrange Book Liberal Democrats. The authors then analyse how these factorsshaped the policy agenda pursued over the five years, including the issues ofdeficit reduction, public sector reform, and welfare reduction, beforediscussing the tensions that developed as a result of these decisions.Ultimately, relations between the coalition partners steadily became lessamicable and more acrimonious, as mutual respect gave way to mutualrecrimination.
List of contents
Introduction.- 1: The Making and Modus Operandi of the Coalition Government.- 2: The Blame Game: The Coalition'sEconomic Policy.- 3: Public Sector Reform.- 4: Welfare Reform.- 5: Constitutional Developments.- 6: Foreign Policy and the European Union.- 7: From Roses to Rancour.- Conclusion: The Coalition: Individuals, Institutions and Ideas.
About the author
Peter
Dorey is Professor of British Politics at Cardiff University, UK. He has
written or edited 14 books on aspects of British politics, the Conservative
Party, House of Lords reform, and public policy. In Spring 2014, he was
Visiting Professor of Politics at the University of Bordeaux.
Mark
Garnett is Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Lancaster
University, UK. He is the author of numerous books and articles on British
Politics.
Summary
This book examines the
formation and operation of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition
government from May 2010 to May 2015. The authors outline the factors that
enabled the union, including economic circumstances, parliamentary politics,
the initially amicable relationship established between David Cameron and Nick
Clegg, and the apparent ideological closeness of Conservative modernisers and
Orange Book Liberal Democrats. The authors then analyse how these factors
shaped the policy agenda pursued over the five years, including the issues of
deficit reduction, public sector reform, and welfare reduction, before
discussing the tensions that developed as a result of these decisions.
Ultimately, relations between the coalition partners steadily became less
amicable and more acrimonious, as mutual respect gave way to mutual
recrimination.
