The British Coalition Government, 2010-2015 A Marriage of Inconvenience [Hardcover]

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.

Introduction.- 1: The Making and Modus Operandi of the Coalition Government.- 2: The Blame Game: The CoalitionsEconomic 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.

PeterDorey is Professor of British Politics at Cardiff University, UK. He haswritten or edited 14 books on aspects of British politics, the ConservativeParty, House of Lords reform, and public policy. In Spring 2014, he wasVisiting Professor of Politics at the University of Bordeaux.

MarkGarnett is Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at LancasterUniversity, UK. He is the author of numerous books and articles on BritishPolitics.