This book investigates the political economy of party support in Britain from 1997 to the present, examining how affluence and austerity have shaped electoral choices. Marianne C. Stewart analyzes the forces affecting support for New Labour during its 13 years in office, utilizing valence politics models and extensive survey data from the British Election Study. The study then explores the impact of the recessionary economy on party support dynamics since the 2010 Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition government and the factors influencing the 2011 referendum on electoral system change. By placing Britain in a comparative context with cross-national data from over 20 European countries during a major economic crisis, the book assesses the effects on support for incumbent governments and democratic politics.

The book is positioned as a rigorous academic study, likely appealing to specialists in British politics, political economy, and comparative electoral behavior. Its reliance on extensive survey data and comparative analysis suggests a detailed and evidence-based approach to understanding electoral change. The focus on significant periods of British political and economic history, from New Labour's rise through recessionary times, indicates a comprehensive examination of the interplay between economic conditions and voter preferences. The comparative element further suggests an effort to contextualize British electoral dynamics within broader European trends.