1. Why study perceptions of politicians' conduct?; 2. Thinking about political ethics and conduct; 3. Ethics and misconduct in British politics; 4. Expectations and the scope of ethical judgements; 5. How people judge political conduct; 6. What people think of their elected politicians; 7. The political effects of ethical evaluations; 8. Changing public perceptions: problems and remedies; 9. Concluding remarks.
Drawing on original data, this book is the first account of popular understandings of political ethics in contemporary British politics.
Nicholas Allen is Senior Lecturer in Politics in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Royal Holloway, University of London. He is the co-editor of Britain at the Polls 2010 (2011) and is already planning the successor volume for the next general election. Sarah Birch is Professor of Comparative Politics at the University of Glasgow. Her most recent monograph is Electoral Malpractice (2011).
'… provides an account of our disenchantment with politicians that
is both sophisticated and powerful. The sophistication comes from
the careful way the argument is developed and the extensive use of
an original evidence base. The power is provided by the core
message: there is a big gap between politicians' understanding of
integrity and that of the public, and disillusionment with the
behaviour of politicians matters in terms of democratic
engagement.' Gerry Stoker, University of Southampton
'… a major contribution to understanding why trust in Parliament
has been in decline over time. It is a judicious blend of theory
and analysis which explains the trend and why it matters. This book
is a must-read for all students of British politics.' Paul
Whiteley, University of Essex
'Allen and Birch's excellent new book is far and away the best
empirical study of the subject. Their combination of focus group
data and survey research enables them to explore public
understandings and expectations, which reveal critical differences
in how citizens and Members of Parliament view political ethics and
integrity, and to show how citizens' lack of confidence in
politicians undermines their participation in the political system.
A must-read for anyone interested in the politics of political
corruption and integrity.' Donald D. Searing, Burton Craige
Professor of Political Science, University of North Carolina,
Chapel Hill
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