Third Force Politics Liberal Democrats at the Grassroots

Based on extensive research and a nationally representative survey of the grassroots party, this is the first book-length study of Liberal Democrat party members. It examines who they are, why they joined the party, what activities they undertake both in the wider community and in electoral politics, and it looks at their views on a whole range of policy issues in British politics.

Who belongs to the Liberal Democrats, and why? What are the opinions of the party members about politics and society, and about their own party organization? How active are the members, and what role do they play in electoral politics? Based on extensive research and a nationally representative survey of the grassroots party, this is the first book-length study of Liberal Democrat party members. It examines who they are, why they joined the party, what activities they undertake both in the wider community and in electoral politics, and it looks at their views on a whole range of policy issues in British politics. This book represents the continuation of a series of studies of party members in Britain co-authored by Patrick Seyd and Paul Whiteley.

1 - Introduction and Overview
2 - Who Are The Members?
3 - Ideology and the Party Members
4 - Why Join the Party?
5 - Explaining Party Activism
6 - Local Campaigning and the Liberal Democrat Vote
7 - Electoral Performance and Prospects
8 - Conclusions