"The 4th Edition of this well-established textbook is exemplary...the material is well structured and coverage is comprehensive, with a judicious mix of historical background and contemporary analysis. Extensive use of figures and tables bring a wealth of empirical detail to the account, and useful text-boxes explain key concepts or offer biographical sketches of important figures. This book is a must-have for any serious student of British politics." Mathew Humphrey, School of Politics, University of Nottingham'An invaluable introduction to and guide through governing the United Kingdom in the 21st century' Dr Nicholas J. Baldwin, Dean, Wroxton College of Fairleigh Dickinson University.