Bøger udgivet af Welsh Academic Press

George Thomas, the former Labour Cabinet Minister and Speaker of the House of Commons, was the sycophant supreme of the British political system and arguably the most divisive figure in twentieth-century Welsh politics who, after his transformation from radical young socialist to Viscount Tonypandy - the fervent supporter of Margaret Thatcher and servile courtier to the Royal Family - was described by poet Nigel Jenkins as 'The Lord of Lickspit'. Drawing on previously unpublished material from Thomas' vast personal and political archive in the National Library of Wales, and interviews with many who knew him during his career, award-winning journalist Martin Shipton reveals the real George Thomas, the complex character behind the carefully crafted facade of the devout Christian, and discovers a number of surprising and shocking personae - which have previously been unknown, downplayed or overlooked - of this ultimate Political Chameleon, including:The draft-dodger during the Second World War. The Freemason. The alcohol-drinking 'teetotaller'. The erstwhile Communist who died a member of the Referendum PartyThe betrayer of the people of Aberfan. The master of patronage and fixer of Honours. The 'confirmed bachelor' and devout Methodist lay-preacher who sought the company of 'rent boys'. Martin Shipton also investigates fresh evidence relating to recent allegations that Thomas sexually assaulted young men. This is the book his dwindling number of supporters feared and his political opponents have been waiting for. Political Chameleon reveals the real George Thomas.

The Public Affairs Guide to Westminster is the essential handbook for organisations seeking to influence legislation and shape policy development in the UK Parliament and at UK Government level, and is packed with invaluable advice on devising cost effective public affairs strategies and campaigns that achieve success on a limited budget.

The independence referendum of 2014 was the most colourful, dynamic and longest political campaign Scotland has ever seen and which, in IndyRef to ScotRef , is lovingly recounted through the experiences of a university lecturer turned Yes for Scotland activist who was inspired to roll up his sleeves and get involved in his native city of Edinburgh.

Written by two award-winning public affairs professionals, The Public Affairs Guide to Scotland provides practical advice and guidance to individuals and organisations wishing to influence policy makers, and to contribute to legislative change in Scotland. The Public Affairs Guide to Scotland strips away the mysteries and misconceptions of engaging with the Scottish Government, Opposition parties, MSPs and the civil service and explains how to deliver cost effective public affairs activities that can achieve tangible outcomes. Robert McGeachy and Mark Ballard's step-by-step guide will empower private, public and third sector organisations to manage their own public affairs programmes, without the need to hire expensive consultants or specialist lobbying companies, by comprehensively outlining:What your organisation could achieve by developing its own in-house public affairs activitiesHow to identify the correct policy and legislative context via effective parliamentary monitoring and by engendering good relations with key policy makers How to engage with the legislative process including Parliamentary Committees, Members' Bills, Public Petitions, Cross Party Groups, and Parliamentary Motions & DebatesHow to create, organise and undertake a public affairs programme most appropriate for your organisation including hosting parliamentary receptions, attending party conferences and joint-working with a partner organisationFull of useful hints and tips, and written with the benefit of years of experience and success in the profession, The Public Affairs Guide to Scotland is the essential tool for those organisations needing to engage with the legislative process of the Scottish Parliament and its policy development.

This comprehensive study includes over 40 interviews with senior figures from within the Welsh Liberal Party, the Welsh SDP and Welsh Liberal Democrat Party and provides the first detailed history of Wales' oldest political party.