The Politics and Policy of London
Elections, Demography and the Reshaping of Power in the Capital
1st Edition
Will be published approx. on 30. October 2026
Book
Hardback
430 pages
978-1-041-02715-7 (ISBN)
Description
This book examines the changing demographics, attitudes and electoral behaviours of Londoners over the last 50 years and considers the impact these changes have had on the policy agendas of the capital, past, present and future.
Focussing on the issues of greatest concern to voters in the capital, including crime, the economy and the cost of living, housing, inequality, health, immigration and the environment, the book examines the capital's economic and cultural dominance and how it influences broader debates about urban politics. It draws on a wide range of scholarly literature and data providing a comprehensive understanding of how and why the political and policy landscapes of London have shifted in recent decades. The book questions how much space is available for policymakers to tackle the major issues facing Londoners, whether they can forge political coalitions for change, and who will 'win' and 'lose' under policy reforms.
This book will be of key interest to scholars, students and practitioners of British and metropolitan politics as well as those with interests in history, elections, political parties, political sociology, public policy and urban studies.
Focussing on the issues of greatest concern to voters in the capital, including crime, the economy and the cost of living, housing, inequality, health, immigration and the environment, the book examines the capital's economic and cultural dominance and how it influences broader debates about urban politics. It draws on a wide range of scholarly literature and data providing a comprehensive understanding of how and why the political and policy landscapes of London have shifted in recent decades. The book questions how much space is available for policymakers to tackle the major issues facing Londoners, whether they can forge political coalitions for change, and who will 'win' and 'lose' under policy reforms.
This book will be of key interest to scholars, students and practitioners of British and metropolitan politics as well as those with interests in history, elections, political parties, political sociology, public policy and urban studies.
Reviews / Votes
"Given its political, economic and cultural importance to the UK and the world, there is a surprising lack of serious analysis of the politics and governance of London. At last, this comprehensive volume fills that gap. Essential reading."Andrew Blick, Professor of Politics and Contemporary History, King's College London, UK
"London looms large in British politics, but not in political research: we know far too little about the changing preferences of citizens in the capital, or what shapes London's distinctive 21st century politics. This brilliant new volume brings together a top team of researchers to help explain what makes London and Londoners different and explains the challenges facing politicians and policymakers seeking to govern a "global city." Vital reading for anyone interested in understanding the volatile and fast changing political landscape in London and beyond."
Robert Ford, Professor in Political Science, University of Manchester, UK
"London's future depends crucially on politicians and policy-makers of every kind understanding the city's character, building on its strengths and addressing its weaknesses. Every one of them should read this book."
Dave Hill, Publisher and Editor of the website OnLondon.co.uk and writer for On London Extra
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Postgraduate, Professional Reference, and Undergraduate Advanced
Illustrations
29 s/w Tabellen, 63 s/w Zeichnungen, 63 s/w Abbildungen
29 Tables, black and white; 63 Line drawings, black and white; 63 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-041-02715-7 (9781041027157)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Patrick Diamond | Elizabeth Simon
The Politics and Policy of London
Elections, Demography and the Reshaping of Power in the Capital
Book
approx. 10/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€72.07
Not yet published
Persons
Patrick Diamond is Professor of Public Policy at Queen Mary University of London, UK.
Elizabeth Simon is Lecturer in Politics at the University of Exeter, UK.
Elizabeth Simon is Lecturer in Politics at the University of Exeter, UK.
Content
Introduction Part 1: Politics: Parties and the Electoral Landscape 1. How the London Boroughs Shape City-wide Politics: Political Change, Party Capacity and Boroughs as 'Building Blocks' 2. Understanding the Changing Vote Choices and Attitudes of Londoners Over Time: Has London Become a 'Labour City'? 3. How London's Changing Demographics Have Driven Electoral Change 4. (How) Can the Conservatives Capture the London Mayoralty? 5. Is London's Electoral Landscape Becoming Increasingly Fragmented? Part 2: Politics: Electoral Divides 6. The Ethnic Divide in Politics in London and Beyond 7. Gender-based Voting and the Institutional Evaluation Gap in London 8. Age and Generation as Dividing Lines in the Capital 9. Class and Education Divides in London's Politics Part 3: Policy Agendas 10. The Role of the Mayor of London: Powers and Responsibilities 11. Policing in London: The Politics of Crime and Public Safety 12. The London Economy after Brexit 13. Opportunity and Inequality in the City of London: Elite Jobs, Social Mobility, and the Reproduction of Class Advantage 14. Housing, (Re)development and Gentrification in the Capital 15. Climate and Environmental Issues in London 16. Health Inequalities in London 17. London and Its Governance: Vision and Delivery. Conclusion