In May 2010 the incoming UK Coalition Treasury Secretary was greeted by a light-hearted note from his predecessor, stating 'there is no money.' This message was relayed more seriously to the country that indeed 'we have no money' - a warning of the difficulties to come. A prime challenge to be faced is how to reduce public spending in relation to national income, while achieving a balance between a public sector that provides services that people need and also supports the functioning of a private sector that can finance a generous welfare state. Warwick Lightfoot uses his experience in...

In May 2010 the incoming UK Coalition Treasury Secretary was greeted by a light-hearted note from his predecessor, stating 'there is no money.' This message was relayed more seriously to the country that indeed 'we have no money' - a warning of the difficulties to come. A prime challenge to be faced is how to reduce public spending in relation to national income, while achieving a balance between a public sector that provides services that people need and also supports the functioning of a private sector that can finance a generous welfare state. Warwick Lightfoot uses his experience in...

Margaret Thatcher brought what can only be called a destructive excitement to politics. Arguments and institutions that plainly needed to be challenged and dismembered are likely in normal circumstances to be left alone, on the 'let sleeping dogs lie' principle. Under Mrs Thatcher they did get challenged and taken apart. Margaret Thatcher had a tendency to make things happen. This monograph is neither a history of her government nor the story of her life. It will try and capture the vivid character of Margaret Thatcher's political personality, because it is necessary to appreciate it, in...