Liberal Democrats

David Cutts is Professor of Political Science at the University of BirminghamAndrew Russell is Professor of Politics at the University of LiverpoolJoshua Townsley is a Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics

• Introduction: structure, agency and an identity crisisPart I: The road to government1 Policy distinctiveness, popular leaders and ‘winning here’2 ‘Cowley Street, we have a problem’: the false political and electoral dawnPart II: The coalition years: from government to obscurity3 Getting the coalition wrong4 Where did all the Liberal Democrat voters go?5 Losing locally and being left behindPart III: The post-coalition story: fighting for survival6 From life support to renewed hope7 Political shocks and the coalition legacy: austerity, Brexit and leadership woes8 The changing geography of the Liberal Democrat vote9 Liberal Democrat campaigning at a crossroads: the big pictureConclusion: the Liberal Democrats’ identity crisisAppendixIndex

'Not all Liberal Democrats will agree with the frankness of the authors’ assessment of the party’s recent years, but all should pay close attention to their evidence-backed seven themes for future success.'Mark Pack, President of the Liberal Democrats‘A fascinating, 360-degree portrait of Britain's “third party”. The authors shine a harsh light on the Lib Dems’ ongoing problems but also point to their still-considerable potential. Forensically analytical yet approachably written, the book is absolutely essential reading in the run-up to the next general election – and beyond.’Tim Bale, author of The Conservative Party after Brexit‘This book contributes to the very small field of serious analyses of this important third force in British politics. Excellently researched and closely argued, it identifies dilemmas around identity, structure, agency and role, accounting for the party’s ill-fated period in coalition government while framing the potential for a future Liberal Democrat revival.’Laura McAllister, Professor of Public Policy and the Governance of Wales, Cardiff University