Conservative Party Economic Policy : From Heath in Opposition to Cameron in Coalition

This timely and insightful analysis of Conservative economic policymaking over the past half century covers the period from Ted Heath's assumption of the leadership through the Heath, Thatcher and Major governments and up to the early years of the coalition. As well as a offering a detailed commentary on the Conservative Party's macroeconomic and microeconomic policymaking for the past 50 years it also establishes a context for the controversial austerity measures implemented by the Conservative-led Coalition that established in the wake of Britain's inconclusive general election of 2010. This is a fascinating insight into policymaking within the Conservative Party as well as an indicator of the extent to which competing conservative philosophies have impacted on the policies pursued. At a time when the Conservative Party and economic policymaking loom large on the political landscape, this book is an invaluable contribution to present debates. Front Matter....Pages i-ix Introduction....Pages 1-5 Conservatism, the Conservative Party, and Its Political Economy....Pages 6-31 The Conservative Party and Its Microeconomic Policies, 1964–97....Pages 32-68 The Conservative Party and the Labour Market, 1964–97....Pages 69-103 The Conservative Party and Its Macroeconomic Policies, 1964–97....Pages 104-148 The Conservative Party and the Economy since 1997....Pages 149-177 Conclusions....Pages 178-188 Back Matter....Pages 189-208 Covering the period from Ted Heath's assumption of the leadership of the Conservative Party through to the early years of the Coalition, this volume provides a detailed analysis of the Tory Party's Macroeconomic and Microeconomic Policy-Making over the past 50 years providing an historical context for the political and economic events of today.