Introduction

Abstract

In recent years the perception has grown among British politicians, academics and media commentators that the role and importance of party leaders has increased. Tony Blair’s ten years as prime minister fostered the belief that high-profile and dominant leadership was vital in the modern era. Political scientists have debated ‘presidential’ trends in the British political system.¹ In the field of voting behaviour, an important and on-going debate is addressing the question of how far party leaders affect the way people vote.² Meanwhile, news-media outlets successfully lobbied for a series of set-piece debates between the party leaders during the 2010 general-election campaign.³