Evaluate: ‘the only parties that matter are Labour and Conservative’

Evaluate: ‘the only parties that matter are Labour and Conservative’ - Strong: Coalitions are exceptional and often unfair

Cons betrayed the Lib Dems: £9k tuition fee cap and campaigning against AV to replace FPTP.

Evaluate: ‘the only parties that matter are Labour and Conservative’ - Strong: FPTP blocks third parties from forming governments

SDP–Liberal Alliance 25% of votes, 23 seats. England is 85% of UK population and GDP; Lab/Con in power since the 1920s. Labour 2024: 34% of votes, 63% of seats.

Evaluate: ‘the only parties that matter are Labour and Conservative’ - Strong: Reform’s breakthrough is limited at Westminster

5 seats (about 1%) on 14.3% in 2024. Labour has roughly 250k members; Restore about half that. Lowe is its only MP.

Evaluate: ‘the only parties that matter are Labour and Conservative’ - Weak: Lib Dems mattered in 2010–15

Held two of the ‘quad’ and the energy secretary post (Ed Davey).

Evaluate: ‘the only parties that matter are Labour and Conservative’ - Weak: Devolved bodies favour other parties

NI power-sharing: DUP and Sinn Féin. SNP dominant but short of a majority under AMS. Plaid Cymru leads a minority government.

Evaluate: ‘the only parties that matter are Labour and Conservative’ - Weak: Reform’s local surge

1,453 councillors and 14 councils in May 2026, up from zero in 2024; Labour lost 1,496 councillors.

Overall judgement

At Westminster, yes largely: FPTP and exceptional coalitions. But devolved and local politics show other parties matter.

Key stats

Reform: 14.3%, 5 seats, 1,453 councillors, 14 councils. Alliance 25% / 23 seats. England 85% of population.