Overview

This book explores the process of rebuilding the Conservative Party under David Cameron's leadership since 2005. It traces the different elements of the renewal strategy - ideological reconstruction, policy reappraisal, and enhanced electoral appeal - and identifies constraints from different sections of the Party, including the parliamentary party and the grassroots membership. It also explores the extent to which long-standing intra-party divisions exacerbated difficulties for the exercise of leadership.

Progress and Controversies

The process of renewal has been through a number of stages and its progress has been indirect rather than linear. Although the project has been relatively successful in some respects, the extent to which it has created a new Conservative Party remains contested. This book provides essential background and analysis, and will be of interest to students and scholars of British politics and government.