Offers an introduction to the British political party system, explaining the history, structure, actors and policies of both the main political parties and the minor parties. This book is useful for students of British politics wanting a topical and accessible text on political parties in the UK.

The history of British political parties tells of change and continuity. But, how and why? This textbook continues to provide the best introduction currently available on the British political party system, explaining the history, structure, actors and policies of both the main political parties and the minor parties. Substantially revised and updated, this fourth edition contains new material on the: political party system in post-devolution Scotland and Wales media and political parties emergence of minor parties onto the British political landscape replacement of party ideology with political pragmatism Stephen Ingle argues that in order to meet formidable national and international challenges the British party system is once more in need of fundamental change, to a less confrontational style of politics. "The British Party System" is the ideal book for students of British politics wanting a topical and accessible text on political parties in the UK.

1. Parties and the Party System in Britain
2. Conservative Party Ideology
3. Labour Party ideology
4. Conservative Party Organisation
5. Labour Party Organisation
6. Conservative Politicians, Activists and Supporters
7. The Labour Party, Representatives, Activists and Supporters
8. Liberal Democrats - Always the Bridesmaid?
9. Britain's Other Parties
10. The British Party System -- Fit for Purpose?
Bibliography