Party People - a stroll around the grassroots of democracy

<p>Host Rafael Behr talks to Prof. Tim Bale about why people join political parties and how the members impact democracy.</p> <p>Topics covered inlcude:</p> <ul> <li>what people get from joining a political party;</li> <li>what parties get from their members;</li> <li>why membership of parties has declined;</li> <li>in particular why so many Conservative women joined, and then left in their droves;</li> <li>how membership differs between the two major parties;</li> <li>how the role of members has changed; and</li> <li>members impact on the democratic health of the nation</li> </ul> <p>Tim Bale is Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University of London. </p> <p>He's the author of several books on British and European party politics, including, Footsoldiers: Political Party Membership in the 21st Century, the research for which was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and generated the website <a href="http://esrcpartymembersproject.org">http://esrcpartymembersproject.org</a>. </p> <p>His most recent book, The Conservative Party after Brexit: Turmoil and Transformation is out on 30 March 2023. </p> <p>Tim's also a frequent contributor to broadcast and print media in the UK and abroad. </p> <p>This podcast is hosted by <a href="https://wwww.zencast.fm">ZenCast.fm</a></p>