A History of the Scottish Liberals and Liberal Democrats
(Autor) David TorranceThe Scottish Liberal Party was the dominant party of Victorian Scotland. While its electoral fortunes declined with the rise of the Labour and (Scottish) Unionist parties during the 1920s, it remained a significant 'third' force in an 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.
David Torrance
David Torrance is a Scottish journalist, author, and political commentator known for his insightful analysis of British politics. He has written several acclaimed books on the history and politics of Scotland and the United Kingdom, including "The Battle for Britain: Scotland and the Independence Referendum" and "Ruth Davidson: An Unlikely Politician."
Torrance's writing style is characterized by its thorough research, engaging prose, and balanced perspective on complex political issues. His contributions to literature include shedding light on the intricacies of British politics and providing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of Scottish independence.
One of Torrance's most famous works is "The Battle for Britain," which delves into the debates surrounding the Scottish independence referendum and its implications for the future of the United Kingdom. Through his writing, Torrance has made a significant impact on the literary genre of political analysis, earning him a reputation as a respected authority on British politics.