ABSTRACT
Parties continue to value the human and financial resources members represent, as well as the links into the community, and the legitimacy and the momentum they can bring. Indeed, parties find it difficult to imagine how or even why they would carry on without members. There is, of course, some recognition of the downsides of membership - the constraints on the leadership, the pressure put on MPs, the capacity to embarrass the party, particularly on social media. But members are seen as an asset, not a liability. So, while parties are introducing registered supporters’ schemes, they acknowledge that full members must continue to be afforded particular rights and privileges. Their scope varies considerably between parties, however, with the Conservatives not only offering their members far less say than most other parties but displaying a degree of fatalism about membership that contrasts with their more can-do attitudes. There is a widespread understanding that, although the future will be digital and although national leaders and resources are vital, what goes on locally still makes a big difference - and a recognition that the key to success, lies in providing a welcoming face-to-face environment and effectively integrating members’ online and offline experiences.
