1992/05/01 by Marianne C. Stewart, Harold D. Clarke · 3 citations
Social Sciences · #Social and Cultural Dynamics #Electoral Systems and Political Participation #Sport and Mega-Event Impacts
paper · doi:10.2307/2132034
openalex publication_date 1992/05/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Most research has deemphasized the influence of leader images on British voting. This paper uses the 1987 British Campaign Study data to investigate the structure of leader images and the determinants of electoral choice. Confirmatory factor analyses reveal two image dimensions--competence and responsiveness. These dimensions were associated more closely for the opposition leaders than for the prime minister. Multivariate analyses show that leader images had strong effects on party choice. Practical wisdom about party leaders should inform credible models of party support in an era of partisan dealignment.