Designer Politics

'If Scammell's own learning process continues as it develops in this book, she might become one of the best political analysts.' - Malcolm Rutherford, Financial Times `...the most comprehensive description and analysis so far of the growth of political marketing in this Country. This is a first class account and contains some fascinating material.' - Ivor Gaber, British Journalism Review This is the first book to offer a serious examination of the phenomenon of political marketing in Britain. It presents an analysis of the increasingly influential role of the image-makers and casts a critical eye over the debate concerning the impact of marketing on political conduct and governance. Its primary focus is party and government communications in the Thatcher era and beyond, up to and including the 1992 general election. It argues that Thatcher, despite her image as the resolute politician, pioneered marketing techniques and concepts which have since become standard practice.