Leadership of the Liberal Democrats: From Ashdown to Clegg

This thesis presents an extensive and systematic analysis of Liberal Democrat leadership between 1988 and 2015. Whilst other studies have focussed on leadership of the larger two parties in the United Kingdom this thesis makes an innovative and distinctive contribution in considering why each leader of the Liberal Democrats between 1988 and 2015 won their respective leadership elections; the extent, and drivers, of change that took place under each leader; and the personalisation of leaders in media coverage of general election campaigns. A wide range of interviews with party elites from across the party’s history offer an unprecedented and unique insight into the subject. The thesis applies relevant theoretical approaches from related literature for the first time to the Liberal Democrats, whilst making original adaptations as necessary to suit analysis of third parties. Ultimately, the importance of the party leader as a driver of significant change across the public face, approach and organisation and policies is crucial. The extent of coverage in general election campaigns, and the change in how personalised it has become is also clearly defined, which complements the conclusion that it is candidates who are perceived to be the best at securing positive media attention that are ultimately successful in most Liberal Democrat leadership elections.