Party Leadership Selection and Intra-Party Democracy

Abstract

Much recent research suggests that party leaders are increasing their authority both within parties and in public office. The selection of leaders is one of the most consequential decisions made by parties. This chapter considers the decisions parties are faced with in determining how their leaders are selected with a focus on who forms the selectorate, what the leader’s term in office is and to whom – and how - they are held formally accountable. Consideration is given to the recent trend towards expansion of the leadership selectorate and what the implications of this are in terms of the relative authority of the leader and party activists.