WJM Mackenzie Book Prize 2024/25 - Shortlist Announced

We are pleased to announce the shortlisted books for the WJM Mackenzie Book Prize 2024/25!

A huge thank you to all those who nominated a book for this esteemed prize that celebrates the distinctive contributions these works have made to advancing Political Studies.

From an impressive number of entries, our brilliant judging panel* has confirmed a shortlist of five outstanding works.

The winning entry will be announced, alongside our other 2024/25 Academic Prizes, during the Annual International Conference at the PSA’s Annual Assembly on Monday 14 April 2025,  

If you are a PSA member, please do come along and cheer on your colleagues!

Shortlisted Books:

Devolution in Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region: The First Mayoral Term
By Georgina Blakeley and Brendan Evans.

This comprehensive account examines how metro-mayors Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram evolved their offices during their first terms from 2017 to 2021. The book delves into policy areas such as economic development, transport, skills, health, housing, and environmental reforms, highlighting efforts to 'level up' the north and address regional inequalities.

The Way the Money Goes: The Fiscal Constitution and Public Spending in the UK
By Christopher Hood, Maia King, Iain McLean, and Barbara Piotrowska

Based on extensive documents and over 130 in-depth interviews with civil servants and ministers, this book explores the UK's fiscal constitution—the framework for planning and controlling public spending—under three different governments from the early 1990s to the mid-2010s. It combines narrative analysis with vignettes, offering insights into the evolution of public expenditure management.

The 1922 Committee: Power Behind the Scenes
By Philip Norton

This insightful work delves into the history and influence of the 1922 Committee within the UK's Conservative Party. It examines how this group operates behind the scenes, shaping party leadership and policy decisions, and its pivotal role in the political landscape.

Inside Congressional Committees
By Maya L. Kornberg

Kornberg offers a detailed exploration of the inner workings of U.S. congressional committees. The book sheds light on the processes, challenges, and dynamics that define legislative decision-making, providing a nuanced understanding of how laws are crafted and the factors influencing policy outcomes.

The Conservative Party after Brexit
By Tim Bale

This timely analysis examines the trajectory of the Conservative Party in the aftermath of Brexit. Bale explores the internal and external challenges faced by the party, its evolving policies, and the broader implications for the UK's political future in a post-Brexit era.