Decentralization and the centre right in the UK and Spain: central power and regional responsibility

Convery, A. and Lundberg, T. C. (2017) Decentralization and the centre right in the UK and Spain: central power and regional responsibility. Territory, Politics, Governance, 5(4), pp. 388-405. (doi: 10.1080/21622671.2016.1234406)

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Abstract

The British Conservative Party and the Spanish Partido Popular have been hostile, at least at times, to devolving greater power to regions. Although both parties might be expected to support decentralisation on economically liberal grounds, in fact both have found it extremely difficult to reconcile their centre-right economic instincts with a deeply ingrained commitment to the integrity of the state. This article explores the tension in conservative and liberal ideology between supporting sub-state political responsibility through decentralisation and supporting strong central government able to take long-term (and potentially unpopular) decisions in times of economic crisis. We examine these two parties in light of Toubeau and Wagner’s (2015) framework, finding that market liberalism can be interpreted differently when it comes to decentralisation: both the Partido Popular and the Conservative Party have both at different times used economic justifications for a strong central state. The Partido Popular continues to hold a conservative view of decentralisation and the Conservatives have only recently started to link their market liberalism to a justification for decentralisation. Thus, whilst it is possible to construct a liberal economic case for devolving power away from the central state, one does not necessarily follow the other.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Lundberg, Dr Thomas
Authors: Convery, A., and Lundberg, T. C.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
Journal Name:Territory, Politics, Governance
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:2162-2671
ISSN (Online):2162-268X
Published Online:27 September 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 Regional Studies Association
First Published:First published in Territory, Politics, Governance 5(4): 388-405
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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