(Lead researchers: Donovan, Dorey, Wyn Jones)

Donovan has worked on the transformation of the Italian party system during the 1990s. He is particularly interested in party system theory and co-edited a special issue of Modern Italy (2008) on ‘The Centre in Italian Politics’. His current research is focused on a book examining Italy’s parties from the perspectives of ideology, organization, electoral mobilization, and policy impact. It emphasises the centrality of party elites and their alliance strategies.

Dorey’s work focuses on the two main UK parties. Recent books include The Labour Party and Constitutional Reform, Palgrave 2008; British Conservatism: The Politics and Philosophy of Inequality,Taurus 2010; and (with Denham and Garnett) The Conservative Party, 1990-2010: From Crisis to Coalition, Palgrave 2011. He has also published The Labour Governments 1964-70, Routledge.

Wyn Jones published the first Volume of a study of Plaid Cymru in 2007 titled Rhoi Cymru’n Gyntaf(Putting Wales First) which was long-listed for the Welsh book of the year award. Volume Two, as well as an English translation, isare in preparation.