Evaluate The Argument That Leadership is the Most Important Factor Determining the Success:Failure of Political Parties in the UK

Introduction

Paragraph Factor

• Para 1 = Leadership vs the Electoral System

• Para 2 = Leadership vs the Media

• Para 3 = Leadership vs Policy and Perceived Competence

Para 1 = Weaker Argument - Leadership

• Boris Johnson in the 2019 election is a key example, as his personal popularity and difference from the traditional image of the Conservative Party allowed the Conservatives to win the votes

• in comparison, In 2026, Starmer had net favourability rating in January of -57, matching his predecessor Rishi Sunak’s lowest point in June 2024

• this shows Charismatic leaders also have the potential to reach beyond a partyʼs core voters and increase their vote share

• Similarly, poor and unpopular leaders can have a detrimental impact on the popularity of a political party by deterring potential voters

• this therefore demonstrates that leaders are able to provide clear direction and leadership to their party

Para 1 = Stronger Argument - Electoral System

• In UK Parliament elections, where First Past the Post is used, parties with concentrated geographical support are able to benefit

• whilst smaller parties with some support across the country are greatly underrepresented

• The FPTP electoral system therefore benefits Labour, the Conservatives

• in 2024, Reform received 14% of the vote but just 5 seats

Para 2 = Weaker Argument - Leadership

• for example In the run up to the 2010 election, The Liberal Democrats enjoyed a boost in the polls following the first TV debate, in which Nick Clegg performed very well

• this shows a great deal of the focus of political media is on party leaders, who represent their parties, especially in TV debates or interviews

• this could lead party leaders being the only politicians members of the public know, due to being focused on in the media

• this means that the public would largely assess a parties governing competency based on a leader’s presentation, therefore emphasising their importance

Para 2 = Stronger Argument - the Media

• for example, a significant majority of the press is right-leaning and supports the Conservative Party, which can be seen as an important factor in their political dominance (in govt for 14yrs)

• this shows that by presenting an opinionated, biased view, unlike the majority of TV and radio which is obligated to be politically neutral, the media can shape electoral outcomes

• this suggests that the media influence can outweigh the impact of a leader’s personal appeal

Para 3 = Weaker Argument - Leadership

• for example, Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership shifted Labour to the left, focusing on policies like nationalisation and increased public spending, which appealed to the party’s traditional base

• this shows that leaders have the most control over the policy agenda, deciding issues which are prioritised and debated in the Commons

• this allows them to reshape their party’s policies to respond to electoral pressures and changing circumstances

Para 3 = Stronger Argument - Policy and Perceived Competence

• The significant support received by Reform UK in the 2024 election, for example, reflects the fact that a significant portion of the public was unhappy with the increasing migration

• this shows that successful parties are able to capture the public mood and develop attractive policies that gain them support

• this means reward parties who deliver on their manifesto policies and manage government effectively - things that will actually affect their lives