Local Elections in Britain

by Rallings,Colin

• ISBN13: 9780415059534
• ISBN10: 0415059534
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1997-07-03
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Exploring the historical context, structure and method of operation,Local Elections in Britainclearly addresses the key issues and confusions that surround the local election system, including: the nature and extent of electoral participation such as the crucial issue of low turnout, the candidates, and the growing proportion of women challenging for council seats, and the dangers of viewing local elections as national opinion polls. Drawing on the results of more than 100,000 local elections dating back over three decades, this book is the most comprehensive study of local elections in Britain.

Table of Contents

List of figures	viii	(1)
List of tables	ix	(2)
Acknowledgements	xi
1 Local elections - a case of mystery, intrigue and neglect	1	(15)
2 The evolution of local democracy	16	(14)
3 The local electoral system	30	(16)
4 Turnout in local elections	46	(18)
5 Contestation, candidates and incumbency	64	(21)
6 Party competition in local elections	85	(16)
7 Votes, seats and local electoral outcomes	101	(20)
8 Major parties and local elections	121	(15)
9 Minor parties and local elections	136	(16)
10 Local elections and national politics	152	(18)
11 Local by-elections - parochial contests or national electoral indicators?	170	(20)
12 Local elections and representation	190	(16)
13 Conclusions	206	(10)
Bibliography	216	(9)
Index	225