A History of the Scottish Liberals and Liberal Democrats

The Scottish Liberal Party was a dominant force in Victorian Scotland, but its electoral fortunes declined with the rise of the Labour and (Scottish) Unionist parties. It merged with the Social Democratic Party in 1988 to form the Scottish Liberal Democrats, which helped shape the modern devolution settlement. This book examines the parties' histories, including their organisation, relations with the UK parties, nationalist arguments and rhetoric, and strategic approaches to recover electorally and pursue constitutional aims. It also presents a detailed examination of the parties' record in devolved and Westminster government after 1999.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The Scottish Liberal Party was a dominant force in Victorian Scotland, but its electoral fortunes declined with the rise of the Labour and (Scottish) Unionist parties during the 1920s. However, it remained a significant 'third force' in the increasingly crowded Scottish political system, particularly during the latter half of the 20th century. This was especially true following its 1988 merger with the Social Democratic Party to form the Scottish Liberal Democrats, when it helped shape the modern devolution settlement via the Scottish Constitutional Convention. This book examines both parties via a chronological presentation of their histories. Each chapter includes themes such as organisation, relations between the Scottish and UK parties, the deployment of 'nationalist arguments and rhetoric, and strategic approaches (after 1922) to recover electorally and pursue certain constitutional aims, including devolution for Scotland. It also presents a detailed examination of the party's record in devolved and Westminster government after 1999.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 136 x 216 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399506397