Change and Continuity in the Liberal Democrat General Election Campaign of 2005

This article analyses the Liberal Democrat general election campaign of 2005, with special attention to developments in the party between 2001 and 2005. It argues that there was significant change in policy during that period, towards an agenda emphasising decentralisation and 'tough liberalism...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Political quarterly (London. 1930) 2005-07, Vol.76 (3), p.393-401
Main Author: GRAYSON, RICHARD S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Charles Kennedy
election campaign
Electoral reform
Great Britain
Left Wing Politics
Liberal Democrat
Lord Rennard
policy
Political Campaigns
Political Parties
Public policy
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Summary:This article analyses the Liberal Democrat general election campaign of 2005, with special attention to developments in the party between 2001 and 2005. It argues that there was significant change in policy during that period, towards an agenda emphasising decentralisation and 'tough liberalism'. However, this did not significantly alter the party's overall message from that of 2001, which remained focused on policies such as scrapping university tuition fees. Meanwhile, there was great continuity in campaign strategy and tactics, particularly because of the influence of the party's Chief Executive, Lord Rennard. Tactical innovations in 2005 stemmed from the party's success at fundraising, rather than any decision that new methods of campaigning were necessary. The article concludes with a critical assessment of the campaign, and examines the issues which are likely to arise in forthcoming debates on Liberal Democrat strategy, policy and leadership.
ISSN:0032-3179
1467-923X
DOI:10.1111/j.1467-923X.2005.00698.x