British General Elections Since 1945

Fourteen general elections have been held in Britain in the post–war period, from Clement Attlee′s surprise sweep to power in 1945 to the Conservatives′ fourth consecutive victory in 1992. Several of these fourteen landmark events in British political history had unexpected results; all had far–reaching consequences. In this fully revised and updated edition of British General Elections Since 1945 David Butler chronicles the demeanor and result of each post–war election. He also draws on the most recent research to examine how much the way in which elections have been staged and fought has altered, with press conferences, advertizing, opinion polls and media events transforming the electoral process. In considering these issues alongside other aspects – the law, the constituencies, the electoral system itself, voter behavior – Dr Butler provides an invaluable guide to the continuities and change which have characterized British general elections for two generations.

1. Continuity and Change. 2. Thirteen General Elections. 3. The Legal Framework. 4. Constituencies, Seats and Votes. 5. Franchise, Turnout and Voting Behaviour. 6. The Timing of Elections and the Party Battle. 7. Changing MPs. 8. The Cost of Elections. 9. The National Campaign. 10. The Media. 11. Advertising and Polls. 12. Local Electioneering. 13. Conclusion.

David Butler, a Fellow of Nuffield College, Oxford, since 1951, has been associated with the Nuffield Election Studies since 1945. He is well known for his election commentaries on the BBC and has written widely on British, American and Australian politics.