Philip Cowley, Reader in the University’s School of Politics and International Relations, was recently nominated for the Times Higher young researcher of the year award. In this podcast, Philip discusses his research into back bench rebellions within the British parliament. Philip describes his research as practical politics, linking academic research to the real world of political debate.

Since the British Labour party’s re-election with a reduced majority of 66 MPs in May 2005, some back bench Labour MPs have continued to vote against their own party, led by Prime Minister Tony Blair. This has forced the British government to make a series of concessions on a range of legislation. After the election, it was widely anticipated that Labour party MPs, with a reduced majority, would have to tow the party line. Philip discusses his research into back bench behaviour, highlighting that the British back bench MPs have traditionally been more rebellious than many people may expect.

Philip also discusses the issues behind the bank bench revolts, in particular highlighting that back bench rebellions are now at a post war high–ironically, as the new Labour government of 1997 was determined not to be a ‘split’ party like the previous Conservative government led by John Major. Philip also discusses the impact of the Tony Blair’s announcement that he will step down as leader of the Labour party, and whether this has affected the frequency of revolts.

Philip Cowley, Reader in the University’s School of Politics and International Relations, was recently nominated for the Times Higher young researcher of the year award. In this podcast, Philip discusses his research into back bench rebellions within the British parliament. Philip describes his research as practical politics, linking academic research to the real world of political debate.

Since the British Labour party’s re-election with a reduced majority of 66 MPs in May 2005, some back bench Labour MPs have continued to vote against their own party, led by Prime Minister Tony Blair. This has forced the British government to make a series of concessions on a range of legislation. After the election, it was widely anticipated that Labour party MPs, with a reduced majority, would have to tow the party line. Philip discusses his research into back bench behaviour, highlighting that the British back bench MPs have traditionally been more rebellious than many people may expect.

Philip also discusses the issues behind the bank bench revolts, in particular highlighting that back bench rebellions are now at a post war high–ironically, as the new Labour government of 1997 was determined not to be a ‘split’ party like the previous Conservative government led by John Major. Philip also discusses the impact of the Tony Blair’s announcement that he will step down as leader of the Labour party, and whether this has affected the frequency of revolts.

As taught Semesters 1 and 2, 2011

This learning object explains and describes how the structure of a blood vessel is related to its function. This learning object is used as part of the level 1 Biological Sciences module delivered by the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Physiotherapy.

Dr Andy Meal, Lecturer in Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Physiotherapy

This is a module framework. It can be viewed online or downloaded as a zip file.

As taught Autumn Semester 2010/2011.

This module introduces students to the intellectual and practical skills they will need for the successful study of politics.

Module Code: M11014

Suitable for study at: Undergraduate level 1

Credits:10

Professor Philip Cowley, School of Politics and International Relations

Professor Cowley's research interests are primarily in British politics, especially political parties, voting and Parliament.

He has three future projects, one major, two more minor. The first is to write the next volume in the British General Election of xxxx series, with Dennis Kavanagh, taking over from David Butler, after his 50+ years involved in the project. As two side-lines, he is also interested in issues to do with political engagement, and especially the disconnection between politicians and public (although, unlike many who write on this subject, he doesn't assume that this is always the fault of the politicians), as well as ideas for parliamentary reform imported from outside the UK.

Past Research includes moral debates in British politics and the British Conservative Party; study of the behaviour of British MP's since the election of Tony Blair as Prime Minister.

In this podcast, Professor Philip Cowley, from the School of Politics and International Relations, discusses the announcement of former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s decision to stand down as leader of the Labour Party and British Prime Minister on 27th June 2007. Professor Cowley discusses the reasons behind Tony Blair’s announcement and the pressure he has faced from within his own party.

Professor Cowley goes on to discuss why Gordon Brown succeeded Tony Blair uncontested and the potential problems this could present for the new Prime Minister. Finally, Professor Cowley discusses the contest for the deputy leadership, why the candidates are standing and the challenges they will face in winning.

This is a module framework. It can be viewed online or downloaded as a zip file.

As taught Autumn Semester 2010/2011.

The module identifies and evaluates the role that Parliament plays in the political system. The module is both descriptive and analytical, comprising an introduction to Parliament (such as its place in the political process, and the impact of party) and an investigation into the effectiveness or otherwise of its scrutiny and influence of selected sectors of government responsibility. It covers the process of legislation, scrutiny, and links with the public. The module also includes consideration of the role of the House of Lords.

Module Code: M13043

Suitable for study at: Undergraduate level 3

Credits:20

Professor Philip Cowley

Professor Cowley's research interests are primarily in British politics, especially political parties, voting and Parliament. He has three future projects, one major, two more minor. The first is to write the next volume in the British General Election of xxxx series, with Dennis Kavanagh, taking over from David Butler, after his 50+ years involved in the project. As two side-lines, he is also interested in issues to do with political engagement, and especially the disconnection between politicians and public (although, unlike many who write on this subject, he doesn't assume that this is always the fault of the politicians), as well as ideas for parliamentary reform imported from outside the UK.

Professor Philip Cowley defines a political concept in 60 seconds for those with a spare minute to learn something new. This videocast focuses on voting at 16.

Warning: video does contain bloopers and out takes.

May 2010

Suitable for Undergraduate study and Community education

Professor Philip Cowley, Professor of Parliamentary Government, School of Politics and International Relations

Professor Philip Cowley is Professor of Parliamentary Government at The University of Nottingham. He is an expert in British politics, especially political parties, voting and Parliament. His research interests and project activities cover backbench behaviour and dissent in the House of Commons 2001-5 Parliament; research on the current Parliament and issues to do with political engagement, the disconnection between politicians and the public and ideas for parliamentary reform imported from outside the UK.

Professor Philip Cowley has also conducted previous research on moral debates in British politics and the British Conservative Party and studied the behaviour of British MP's since the election of Tony Blair as Prime Minister. He is author of Revolts and Rebellions, Parliamentary Voting under Blair and editor of the British General Election of xxxx series, with Dennis Kavanagha, having taken over from David Butler, after his 50+ years involved in the project.

Professor Philip Cowley defines a political concept in 60 seconds for those with a spare minute to learn something new. This videocast focuses on voting at 16.

Warning: video does contain bloopers and out takes.

May 2010

Suitable for Undergraduate study and Community education

Professor Philip Cowley, Professor of Parliamentary Government, School of Politics and International Relations

Professor Philip Cowley is Professor of Parliamentary Government at The University of Nottingham. He is an expert in British politics, especially political parties, voting and Parliament. His research interests and project activities cover backbench behaviour and dissent in the House of Commons 2001-5 Parliament; research on the current Parliament and issues to do with political engagement, the disconnection between politicians and the public and ideas for parliamentary reform imported from outside the UK.

Professor Philip Cowley has also conducted previous research on moral debates in British politics and the British Conservative Party and studied the behaviour of British MP's since the election of Tony Blair as Prime Minister. He is author of Revolts and Rebellions, Parliamentary Voting under Blair and editor of the British General Election of xxxx series, with Dennis Kavanagha, having taken over from David Butler, after his 50+ years involved in the project.

Professor Philip Cowley defines a political concept in 60 seconds for those with a spare minute to learn something new. This videocast focuses on the role of the party whips.

Warning: video does contain bloopers and out takes.

May 2010

Suitable for Undergraduate study and Community education

Professor Philip Cowley, Professor of Parliamentary Government, School of Politics and International Relations

Professor Philip Cowley is Professor of Parliamentary Government at The University of Nottingham. He is an expert in British politics, especially political parties, voting and Parliament. His research interests and project activities cover backbench behaviour and dissent in the House of Commons 2001-5 Parliament; research on the current Parliament and issues to do with political engagement, the disconnection between politicians and the public and ideas for parliamentary reform imported from outside the UK.

Professor Philip Cowley has also conducted previous research on moral debates in British politics and the British Conservative Party and studied the behaviour of British MP's since the election of Tony Blair as Prime Minister. He is author of Revolts and Rebellions, Parliamentary Voting under Blair and editor of the British General Election of xxxx series, with Dennis Kavanagha, having taken over from David Butler, after his 50+ years involved in the project.

Professor Philip Cowley defines a political concept in 60 seconds for those with a spare minute to learn something new. This videocast focuses on the role of the party whips.

Warning: video does contain bloopers and out takes.

May 2010

Suitable for Undergraduate study and Community education

Professor Philip Cowley, Professor of Parliamentary Government, School of Politics and International Relations

Professor Philip Cowley is Professor of Parliamentary Government at The University of Nottingham. He is an expert in British politics, especially political parties, voting and Parliament. His research interests and project activities cover backbench behaviour and dissent in the House of Commons 2001-5 Parliament; research on the current Parliament and issues to do with political engagement, the disconnection between politicians and the public and ideas for parliamentary reform imported from outside the UK.

Professor Philip Cowley has also conducted previous research on moral debates in British politics and the British Conservative Party and studied the behaviour of British MP's since the election of Tony Blair as Prime Minister. He is author of Revolts and Rebellions, Parliamentary Voting under Blair and editor of the British General Election of xxxx series, with Dennis Kavanagha, having taken over from David Butler, after his 50+ years involved in the project.