The British general election of May 2010 delivered the first coalition government since the Second World War. David Cameron and Nick Clegg pledged a 'new politics' with the government taking office in the midst of the worst economic crisis since the 1930s. Five years on, a team of leading experts drawn from academia, the media, Parliament, Whitehall and think tanks assesses this 'coalition effect' across a broad range of policy areas. Adopting the contemporary history approach, this pioneering book addresses academic and policy debates across this whole range of issues. Did the coalition represent the natural 'next step' in party dealignment and the evolution of multi-party politics? Was coalition in practice a historic innovation in itself, or did the essential principles of Britain's uncodified constitution remain untroubled? Fundamentally, was the coalition able to deliver on its promises made in the coalition agreement, and what were the consequences - for the country and the parties - of this union?

‘An absorbing, rich and indispensable book for all who seek a dispassionate assessment of the achievements and failures of the coalition government.’

Sir Ivor Crewe - Master of University College, Oxford

'A collection of superb insights by first-class writers that everybody interested in this coalition - and others that may follow it - should read.'

Matthew d'Ancona - author of In It Together, and Guardian columnist

‘Anyone interested in the coalition and what it has meant for Britain ought to read this considered, insightful and comprehensive assessment.’

Andrew Rawnsley - author of Servants of the People and The End of the Party

'Everyone has an opinion about the coalition government; here, as much as is possible, are the facts.'

Source: New Statesman

'A hefty volume of 23 essays by a distinguished range of experts on many aspects of the past five years of coalition government.'

Source: Financial Times