The past decade has seen a sharp decline in membership of political parties, with a severe drop in those who vote in local and general elections. Voters are disillusioned by spin and 'Punch and Judy' politics. There is cynicism and a breakdown in trust that Westminster can really make a difference. But millions back campaigns for trade justice and against world poverty, attend meetings and protest about environmental issues. They are deeply concerned about nuclear and renewable energy, about the transfer of power to quangos and Brussels; they seek to defend free speech and freedom from the abuse of power, and are often passionate about local issues that matter to them. John Redwood targets those who believe that they are apolitical, but who are genuinely concerned about issues which they do not see as 'politics'. He tells main parties they need to change, to make themselves more relevant to the modern fancy-free and passionate electorate.
He addresses the public's concerns and suggests how the issues can be woven into traditional politics, so that the energy and enthusiasm of these voters can change the real seat of power in Westminster and those who 'want to make a difference' can find the way to do so within and without a political framework. Two MPs who have upset the conventional three-party monopoly in general elections comment: 'At neither of the elections that I have fought have the other two main political parties put up strong local candidates, which is why I still had sufficient advantage to win a second term reasonably comfortably.' - Richard Taylor, independent MP for Wyre Forest. 'Central to my victory ...was the abandonment of a vast swathe of Labour political territory by the New Labour leadership.' - George Galloway, Respect MP for Bethnal Green & Bow.
- ISBN10 1842751824
- ISBN13 9781842751824
- Publish Date 25 September 2006
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 23 October 2009
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Methuen Publishing Ltd
- Imprint Politico's Publishing Ltd
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 254
- Language English