Interpreting narratives of local government change under the conservatives and new labour

Abstract

The recent work of Bevir and Rhodes has added momentum to a debate about the role of ideas in political science. This article aims to contribute to the debate by critically analysing a range of (interacting) narratives of local government change under Conservative and New Labour governments. It has a particular, but not exclusive, focus on normative academic commentaries, as these do not represent simply description and interpretation, but a purposeful expression of agency and a deliberate effort to impact upon their object of analysis. I argue that recognising narratives as attempts to impact upon the process and outcomes of change raises issues of power, interest and capacity, and highlights underdeveloped aspects of Bevir and Rhodes' interpretive approach. © Political Studies Association, 2005.