Conclusion

Abstract

The introduction to this edited collection emphasised the potential value of using the Bulpitt statecraft model to aid our understanding of the transition from opposition to coalition government for the Conservatives under David Cameron. In basic terms statecraft can be interpreted as the art of winning elections (the politics of support) and governing competence (the politics of power) (Bulpitt, 1986: 19–39). A winning electoral strategy (propelling the party from opposition into government), will then require the sustaining of political argument hegemony (that is the dominance of elite debate) and evidence of governing competence. These dimensions, alongside successful party management, will then feed into another winning electoral strategy, thus confirming the success of the statecraft strategy (Bulpitt, 1986: 21–2). Our conclusion offers an audit of the Conservatives statecraft strategy at the point of the anniversary of their first year in office in terms of these dimensions.