The Conservative Effect, 2010–2024 14 Wasted Years?

After fourteen years of Conservative government, we rightly ask what changed for the better or worse during this prolonged period of power? The country experienced significant challenges including austerity, Brexit and Covid: did they militate against the government's making more lasting impact? Bringing together some of the leading authorities in the field, this book examines the impact of Conservative rule on a wide range of economic, social, foreign and governmental areas. Anthony Seldon, Tom Egerton and their team uncover the ultimate 'Conservative effect' on the United Kingdom. With powerful insights and fresh perspectives, this is an intriguing study for anyone seeking to understand the full scope of the Conservative government's influence on our nation. Drawing the immediate lessons from the last fourteen years will be pivotal if the country is to rejuvenate and flourish in the future.

Introduction: what difference do governments make? Anthony Seldon; 1. Thirteen wasted years? (1951–1964) Peter Kellner; 2. External shocks Tom Egerton; 3. The economy Paul Johnson, Carl Emmerson and Nick Ridpath; 4. Foreign and defence Michael Clarke; 5. Health Rachel Sylvester; 6. Education Alan Smithers; 7. Environment Dieter Helm; 8. Parting the unions Brendan O'Leary; 9. Society and health inequalities Michael Marmot and Clare Bambra; 10. Science Jon Agar; 11. Culture John Kampfner; 12. Government, parliament and the constitution Meg Russell; 13. The Conservative Party Tim Bale; 14. The realigning party system Paul Webb; 15. Elections and voting John Curtice; Conclusion: Fourteen wasted years? The verdict Anthony Seldon and Tom Egerton.

Sir Anthony Seldon is the country's top political historian and acknowledged national authority on all matters to do with the Government and Number 10. His book Churchill's Indian Summer: The Conservative Government, 1951–55 (1981), was published forty years ago, and since then he has written or edited many books, including The Blair Effect, 2001-5 (Cambridge, 2005), The Coalition Effect, 2010–2015 (Cambridge, 2015) and The Impossible Office (Cambridge, 2024). He has been the honorary historian at Number 10 Downing Street, chair of the National Archives Trust, and has interviewed virtually all senior figures who have worked in Number 10 in the last fifty years.
Tom Egerton has worked with Anthony Seldon on various publications, including The Sunday Times bestseller Johnson at 10 and The Impossible Office. He is the Editor and founder of The Political Inquiry and was educated in history and politics at the University of Warwick.