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.