Do we have a Multi Party System

Thesis Point 1: Broad range of policies of major parties

They are catch all parties. Have policies in majority interests. Usually on economy and welfare. Since ww1 only been labour and tory.

Anti Thesis Point 1: Influence of minority parties on ideological issues

Fringe matters emphasised by small parties. Environment - Greens. Brexit/immigration - Ukip and Reform. Sometimes are a threat to big parties

Thesis Point 2: success anomaly of small parties

Their success is only temporary and doesn’t translate to seats. 2015 UKIP got 12.6% of votes but only 1 seat. 2024 Reform got 14.3% but only 5 seat. 2015 SNP got 56 seats but has decreased after decrease of independent talks- single issue parties decline is inevitable

Anti Thesis Point 2: Fact that minority parties have had success

They can have success at different levels. 2014 UKIP won EU elections with 24 seats. 2024 success for Reform. Suggest that in local issues minority parties are more supported due to their different ideals

Thesis Point 3 : limited powers of devolved govts/regional parties

SNP used to have influence due to their seats but can’t shape policies in their own regions. 2023 Holyrood attempt to allow self identification but got shut down by Westminster

Anti Thesis Point 3 : Influence of devolved govts/regional parties

There have been instances where they have had influence. In 2017 Tories had a minority govt and got into a confidence and supply deal with the DUP which meant larger budget for NI