Clear Blue Water?

The Conservative Party and the Welfare State since 1940

Page, Robert M., Robert M. Page

• Publisher: Policy Press
• Year: 2016
• Print ISBN: 9781847429865
• eBook ISBN: 9781447334545
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Politics & International Relations
• Subtopic: Social Policy
• Index: Politics & International Relations

Has the modern Conservative Party developed a distinctive approach to the post-war welfare state? In exploring this question, this accessible book takes an authoritative look at Conservative Party policy and practice in the modern era. The book takes as its main starting point the progressive One Nation Conservative (1950-64) perspective, which endeavoured to embrace those features of the welfare state deemed compatible with the party's underlying 'philosophy'. Attention then shifts to the neo-liberal Conservatives (1974-97), who sought to reverse the forward march of the welfare state on the grounds of its 'harmful' economic and social effects. Finally, David Cameron's (2005-present day) 'progressive' neo-liberal Conservative welfare state strategy is put under the spotlight. The book's time-defined content and broad historical thread make it a valuable resource for academics and students in social policy and politics as well as social history.

Notes

Acknowledgements

1 The University now has additional sites at Medway and Tonbridge.

Preface

1 See, for example, Bruce (1961), Gilbert (1970), Thane (1982), Digby (1989), Finlayson (1994), Harris (2004), Fraser (2009).

2 See, for example, Hay (1975), Deakin (1994), Laybourn (1995), Sullivan (1996), Timmins (2001), Lowe (2005), Glennerster (2007), Page (2007).

3 Two notable exceptions in terms of the Conservative Party are Raison (1990) and Bridgen and Lowe (1998).

4 Authors differ as to the precise periods the consensus operated. Cases have been made for 1940-79, 1944-76, 1945-57 and even 1972-75; see Dutton (1991), Kavanagh and Morris (1994), Lowe (1990), Marwick (2003).

5 See, for example, Pimlott (1988), Kavanagh (1992), Kavanagh and Morris (1994), Seldon (1994), Jones and Kandiah (1996).

6 See Mishra (1977), Page (2010b).

7 See Jordan (1973).

Chapter One

1 See Cecil (1912).

2 See O‘Sullivan (1999), Allitt (2009).

3 See Eccleshall et al (1984), Vincent (1992), Ludham and Smith (1996), Norton (1996b), Letwin (2008).

4 See Gray (2009).

5 See also Shore (1952, ch 1).

6 See Freeden (2003).

7 See Scruton (2014, ch 3).

8 See Burke (1969), King (2011).

9 See Willetts (1992, pp 101-2).

10 See Scruton (2001, pp 30-6).

11 See Burke (1969), Bromwich (2014), Norman (2014).

12 See Clarke (1947).

13 See Oakeshott (1962).

14 See Maude (2005).

15 See Pinker (2003), Dale (2010, pp 259-60).

16 See Ball (2013, p 50).

17 See Thorpe (2004), Torrance (2010).

18 See Blake (1998), Charmley (2008).

19 See Green (1993), Ellis (2010).

20 See Green (2002, Introduction).

21 See Willetts (1992), Norton (1996a), Blake (1998), Green (2002), Charmley (2008), Ball (2013).

22 See Bulpitt (1986).

23 See Boothby et al (1927), Macmillan (1933, 1938), Green (2002, pp 72-113).

24 For example, a series of ‘placatory’ meetings between the two sides of industry were held between 1928 and 1933 (the Mond-Turner talks) to seek more harmonious relations between the unions and employers following the passage of the controversial Trades Disputes and Trade Unions Act in 1927, which the unions had vehemently opposed.

25 The so-called Geddes axe, which was applied to public expenditure, most notably in the sphere of education in 1921, is an exemplar in this regard; see Harris (2004).

26 See Abel (2004).

27 See Campbell (2004).

28 Baldwin was Prime Minister of the Conservative government from 1923-24 having succeeded Bonar Law (who had been forced to resign because of terminal illness). Baldwin led the Conservative administration from 1924-29 and took over the leadership of the National government in 1935 following Macdonald’s resignation due to poor health. Baldwin retired from active politics in 1937; Neville Chamberlain succeeded him as Prime Minister.

29 See Matthew (2011).

30 See Ball (2004).

31 See Blake (1998), Williamson (1999).

32 See Gilbert (1970), Fraser (2009).

Chapter Two

1 See Addison (1977, ch III).

2 See Addison (1992, p 308).

3 See Ramsden (1980).

4 See Ramsden (1980).

5 See Harris (1997).

6 See Addison (1977, p 217).

7 See Addison (1977).

8 See Raison (1990, p 6), Garnett and Hickson (2009, p 42).

9 See Calder (1971, p 408).

10 See Hinchingbrooke (1943).

11 See Tory...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Contents
• About the author
• Acknowledgements
• Preface
• One: Conservatism, the 'modern' Conservative Party and the welfare state
• Two: From war to peace: the Conservatives and the welfare state in the 1940s
• Three: Towards a One Nation Conservative welfare state? The Conservatives and the welfare state, 1950-64
• Four: The Heath 'interregnum': modern technocratic Conservatism and the welfare state, 1965-74
• Five: The Conservative (counter-)revolution: neo-liberal Conservatism and the welfare state, 1974-97
• Six: Progressive neo-liberal Conservatism and the welfare state, 2005-15
• Epilogue: The Conservative Party and the welfare state: clear blue water?
• Postscript
• Appendix: Selected ministerial posts in Conservative or Conservative-led governments, 1940-2015
• Notes
• References