Evaluate the extent to which the UK has become a multi-party democracy/Evaluate the extent to which the UK is no longer a two-party system

Introduction - definition

A multiparty system is when a political system has a variety of

dominant parties that cover the whole political spectrum and the ability to

hold power

Introduction - 2 points from each side

- It can be argued that the UK has become a multi-party

system as in recent times there have been a declining number of votes for the two main parties as well as the rise of PR systems making multi-party regions through devolved assemblies.

- However, the UK can be argued to still be mainly duo-party monopoly as FPTP means the two main parties are represented at Westminster at a significantly larger rate, also, there has been a clear return to 2 party domination in recent elections

Para 1 for a multi party system

Coalitions and hung parliaments are becoming far more regular

Para 1 A01

- Supply and Confidence deal May + DUP = 2017

- Cameron and Clegg = 2010

Para 1 counter point

Labour and Conservative still government opposition and have

ALWAYS formed government and opposition

Para 1 counter point A01

Labour opposition in Coalition and Conservative main party

of government

83% of the vote in 2017

Evaluation para 1

More coalitions and hung parliaments do not show a move

to a multi-party system, they represent a decline in the

major party's total popularity. Supply and Confidence

agreements are minor .

Para 2 for a multi party system

Range of parties winning seats in

the devolved assemblies

producing rainbow parliaments

that are power sharing.

The increasing power of devolved

bodies = increasing power of

minor parties

Para 2 for AO1

Holyrood 2021

SNP - 62

Con - 31

Lab - 22

Green - 7

Para 2: Counterpoint

The nature of Westminster

elections (FPTP) prevents

rainbow government and seats

won in devolved bodies does not

translate to seats won in

Parliament.

Para 2 counterpoint A01

SNP Scot vs. UK

62 vs. 45

para 2: evaluation

More proportional systems are used in devolved assemblies

unlike FPTP; without reform to the electoral system multi-

party will never exist

Para 3 for multi part system

Increasing range of parties sitting

in Westminster such as SNP and

Change UK following the

defection of MPs from Labour and

Conservatives

para 3 for AO1

Sarah Woolaston 2015, Lib Dem - Totnes from 2010 to 2019

33% of the vote went to other parties

para 3 counterpoint

Minor parties only gain traction

for singular issues. They do not

fit the idea of 'fit and ready to

rule' required by a multiparty

system. Policy absorbing can also

reduce their vote share.

para 3 counterpoint AO1

UKIP + Brexit

SNP 2014 referendum

Liberal Democrats

simply do not have

enough MPs or

expertise

Para 3 evaluation

While smaller parties are gaining traction, this is only

because they represent a singular issue important to

voters. It is not realistic to say they would be able to rule