A Question of Trust: Implementing Party Manifestos

It is arguable that party politicians have never before been held in such low esteem nor regarded as less trustworthy. Although there may be several factors contributing to this phenomenon-discontent with major policy, perceived dishonesty, belief that there is little to choose between parties in terms of policy or ideology and so on-there is one which has been seen as especially problematic. This concerns the belief that parties make promises at election time which they then fail to keep when they are elected to office. This article discusses the results of a study which provides some empirical evidence to show that this is not necessarily the case. In their party manifestos, parties give pledges concerning policy which will be carried out if they achieve office. Pledges of the winning party can be tracked through Queen’s Speeches, to establish intention of carrying them out, and then in terms of budgetary statements and Prorogation Speeches to check whether these intentions are carried out. Results show that, contrary to generally held perceptions, the overwhelming majority of specific pledges at least are indeed fulfilled.