The Parties, Voters and Elections research group at the University of Birmingham is based in the Department of Political Science and International Studies, but welcomes colleagues and students from all departments, centres and institutes of the University who have research interests in political parties, party systems and elections. We work closely with networks of scholars from outside the University and organize some events as part of the REPRESENT network with colleagues at the University of Nottingham.
In addition to a parties reading group which has been running for a number of years and which meets monthly during term time to discuss a recently published article or book, we organize a number of special events.
We are an inclusive group. Although the main focus of many members of the group is European politics, we welcome members with any geographical area of expertise and interest. Moreover, all scholars of political parties whether they use quantitative, qualitative or a mixture of methodological approaches are very welcome to join us.
Members of the Parties, Voters and Elections Research Group are working on a number of projects at the moment covering topics such as depoliticization, small parties, political campaigning, African party politics, populist parties, party membership, national political parties and the challenges of European integration, parties and the Eurozone crisis, opposition parties in non-democratic systems, the evolution of the British party system, and the dynamics of party politics in Central and Eastern Europe.
Here is a flavour of some of the exciting research being conducted by members of the research group.
Dr David Bailey is a Senior Lecturer in Politics. David researches the political economy of left parties and protest movements and the European context.
Dr Karin Bottom is a Lecturer in British Politics and Public Policy. Karin researches directly elected mayors, the cartel party model, depoliticization, and the role and relevance of small parties.
Professor Nic Cheeseman is a Professor of Democracy and International Development. Nic researches many aspects of African politics, including party politics. Among his recent publications in How to Rig an Election (Yale University Press, 2018).
Professor David Cutts is a Professor of Political Science. Dave researches many aspects of voting behaviour and campaigning, particularly in UK elections. He is beginning work with Tim Haughton on a project examining election campaigning in Central and Eastern Europe.
Dr Tim Haughton is a Reader (Senior Associate Professor) in European Politics. Tim co-authored a recent book The New Party Challenge with Kevin Deegan-Krause examining the patterns of party politics across Central and Eastern Europe. He is also embarking on a project with David Cutts on election campaigning in Central and Eastern Europe.
Julian Hoerner is a Lecturer in Politics at POLSIS. His research focuses on the interaction of electoral behaviour and political institutions in shaping representation, accountability, and the quality of democracy in Europe.
Dr Peter Kerr is a Senior Lecturer in Politics. Pete’s research encompassing many themes in British politics, including a focus on party politics.
Dr George Kyris is a Lecturer in International and European Politics. George has researched and published on the impact of the European Union on domestic affairs, including institutions, civil society and political parties. He has also researched the interplay between public opinion and party competition.
Dr Natascha Neudorfer is a political scientist. Natascha researches the causes of corruption.
For further information about the Parties, Voters and Elections research group, please contact Dr Tim Haughton (t.j.haughton@bham.ac.uk).