The Strange Death of Labour Scotland

'In this significant book, two scholars with a deep understanding of the Labour Party have explored the 'myth of Labour Scotland'. By 'myth' the authors capture the very real strength of Labour in Scotland but also the equally important existence of a widespread belief in Labour's dominance. They explain why the belief in Scottish Labour hegemony was less real than was often imagined and how devolution, especially its more proportional voting system, exposed the myth. The authors explore how this happened and devolution's impact on the party. The book combines public policy analysis, analysis of Labour's changing electoral base, the impact of New Labour, governing Scotland under devolution and its efforts to address the Scottish Question. This is not only the most up to date book on Labour in Scotland but the most comprehensive analysis of the party. It is required reading for anyone seeking to understand modern Scottish politics.' -- Professor James Mitchell, School of Government and Public Policy, University of Strathclyde