How Britain Works - by M Temple (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Michael Temple argues that the new local governance system 'created' by Margaret Thatcher's reforms, when combined with New Labour's emphasis on delivering measurable improvements to outputs, has enabled Tony Blair to have unprecedented control over the public policy process. The author concludes that, far from a more pluralist political culture, the emphasis on achieving centrally determined outputs means that New Labour's governing style is more centralized and directive than the Conservatives under Margaret Thatcher; to what end is still uncertain.

Review Quotes

'Michael Temple raises questions that deserve to ring alarm bells throughout British public administration and politics, as the Blair government appears to continue rather than reverse the centralising tendencies of the Conservative era' - Simon Jenkins, The Times

How Britain Works is a stimulating, thought-provoking but even-handed account that presents Blair's pursuit of the Third Way and joined-up government as a natural development of Thatcher's revolution. Those that believed Labour's victory in 1997 would usher in a new golden age for a powerful democratic system of local government should read this book...it may help explain their disappointment' - Professor Michael Thrasher, University of Plymouth

'...an excellent, brief volume on both the attitudinal and governmental changes brought by the Thatcher years and their potential impact on Labour in power.' - A.Katz, Choice

About the Author

Michael Temple is Senior Lecturer in Politics, School of Humanities and Social Science, Stafforshire University.