Building New Labour The Politics of Party Organisation [Hardcover]

'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.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

'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

MEG RUSSELL is a Senior Research Fellolã'