Opposition Studies
Forum
The Opposition Studies Forum is a new research group, dedicated to the study of political opposition in the UK and other democratic political systems.
Whilst the study of government is a well-established academic field, there is nothing like a comparable body of specific research on political opposition. This is a crucial research gap which we aim to fill.
Opposition matters for many reasons - any political party entering government will have spent a considerable time in opposition, forming their policy programme and making preparations for assuming office. How they conduct this process and how successful they are during this period can therefore have a major effect on the government of a country. Equally, in a democracy the opposition plays a vital role of scrutiny and agenda-setting, holding the government of the day to account. How well they do this is a hugely important democratic issue. Finally there is the raw political issue of how opposition parties win power, and just as importantly, why some do not.
We aim to examine all these issues, collecting existing research sources and materials, and commisioning new research. Our objective is to increase understanding of the role of opposition in political systems, and encourage further study of its impact. We will also look to provide advice and guidance on the subject to academics and political practitioners alike.
If you are interested in receiving information on our work, please email info@oppositionstudies.com
News: 3rd March 2010
Michael Foot 1913-2010It was with great sadness that we learned today of the death of Michael Foot, Leader of the Opposition and of the Labour Party 1980-1983. Aside from his time as Leader, he had an immensely distinguished career in Parliament, journalism and in the Labour movement, and tributes have been paid from across the political spectrum. We have uploaded some of the tributes on Opposition TV, and have created a tribute to his life on this site.
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