Political parties

Political party

Organisation of people with similar political views which develops a set of goals and policies that is seeks to convert into political action by obtaining government office, or a share in government, or by influencing the government currently in power.

Left wing

• emphasises importance of creating fair and equal society through positive state intervention

• Includes higher taxation for the wealthy, extensive welfare provisions and greater state influence on the economy

• Often more socially progressive and favours and internationalist approach to global problems

Right wing

• derives from liberal and conservative ideology

• Can include a liberal focu on the importance of limiting excessive government, keeping taxation low and protecting individual liberties

• Also emphasize conservative values such as law and order, the importance of national sovereignty and strong defence

Functions of political parties

• provide representation

• Engage in political recruitment and educating the public

• Encourage political engagement and participation

• Formulating and developing policy

• Selecting of candidates fr office at all levels

• Providing the personnel of government

Where do party funds come from

• official sources

  • Short money

  • Cranbourne money

• donations

  • Individuals

  • Corporations

  • Trade unions (left wing parties)

• Loans

• Party membership

Where do party funds go

• governing

• Campaigning

• Administration

Rules on party donations

• no limits on how much can be donated

• Must be from a “permissible” source

• Onlyindividuals on a UK electoral register can make donations

• UK registered companies and some UK registered organisations eg trade unions are also permissible sources

• Political parties are responsible for checking the source of loans and donations over the value of 500 pounds to ensure they come from permissible sources

Growth of other political parties in the UK

• dominated by 2 parties until mid-1990s

• Electoral system used for general elections - FPTP underpinned this dominance

• This system discriminates against parties with dispersed support

Impact of minor parties

• growth of SNP has forced Scottish independence issue and devolution in general, and made prospect of a labour majority much harder

• UKIP was a key factor in Cameron agreeing to hold the EU referendum in 2016. The party has also forced the Tores to be increasingly restrictive on immigration

• The slow rise and continued precedes of the greens have made all parties adopt (or co-opt) more environmental policies and they threaten labour in some places

• The reform party threatened conservative by providing another option for disheartened conservative voters, just as UKIP had just before Brexit

Factors that contribute to party success or failure

• popularity and image of the leader

• Relationship with the media

• Record in government

• Record in opposition

• Funding and organisation

• Choice of candidates and campaign methods

• Policy statements and manifesto

• Impact of any relevant referendums