Evans, Elizabeth. 2012. Selecting the ‘right sort’: Patterns of Political Recruitment at British By-elections. Parliamentary Affairs, 65(1), pp. 195-213. ISSN 0031-2290 [Article]

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Abstract or Description

Analyses of by-elections traditionally focus on explorations of electoral behaviour, rather than on patterns of political recruitment. However, whom the parties select is important, as the candidate essentially constitutes the temporary face of the party. Furthermore, each party adapts their selection rules during by-elections to facilitate a greater role for the centre in the process. Combining qualitative research with selection and election data, this article explores intra-party tensions regarding the candidate selection process by focusing on the success rates of three specific groups of candidates: political insiders, women and locals. Focusing on by-election political recruitment provides an opportunity to assess the various tensions that arise over candidate selection between central strategists and local party activists, during intense and high profile campaigns.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1093/pa/gsr004
Departments, Centres and Research Units:	Politics
Dates:	Date Event 1 February 2012 Published 1 May 2011 Accepted
Item ID:	19015
Date Deposited:	05 Oct 2016 16:46
Last Modified:	30 Jun 2017 10:32
Peer Reviewed:	Yes, this version has been peer-reviewed.
URI:	https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/19015

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