Devolution and Electoral Politics

This book presents a comparative perspective on the new dynamics of electoral competition following devolution to Scotland and Wales. It brings together leading experts on elections, political parties and regional politics from Britain, Europe and North America to explore the dynamics and interactions of national and regional arenas of electoral competition. Chapters include theoretical reflections on the relationship between regional and national elections, and a range of country case studies. The aim of the non-British case studies is to establish both empirical benchmarks and a framework for analysis for exploring the dynamics of electoral competition, the adaptation of party strategies and the nuances of voting behaviour that the UK is likely to encounter in a situation where new Welsh and Scottish elections flank general elections to Westminster. The final section of the book offers detailed discussion of these multi-level electoral dynamics now at play in the UK.