Should we retain FPTP

Thesis Point 1 Strong and Stable Governments

FPTP often produces single-party majorities, reducing the need for coalitions and ensuring decisive governance, as seen in the 2019 Conservative majority. Allowed them to pass policy. No coalitions usually. Stormont didn’t sit for 2 years

Antithesis Point 1 Weak mandate and legitimacy

Don't need a majority of vote. FPTP creates a winner takes all scenario. 2019 Tories won with 43% majority. 2010 2/3 of MPs didn't get a majority.

Thesis Point 2 Single MP constituency link

personal connections. MP for Richmond,Goldsmith advocated against 3rd runaway at Heathrow. Went against party wishes.

Anti Thesis Point 2 marginal seats increasing

2024 45 seats won only by 2%. 1/5 won by 5%. FPTP incorrectly represent franchise. Hampstead Kilburn 34% of vote = win

Thesis Point 3 marginalisation of radicals

Single issue parties don't have long term success Gives us stable politics and economy . Reform got 9 million votes in 2024 but only 5 seats. 21015 BNP got 500K votes but 0 seats. In other assemblies they get representation.

Anti Thesis Point 3 unfair to smaller parties

2019 Greens got 850K votes but 1 seat. Spread across not concentrated. SNP won 48 seats with only 1.2 million votes. Usually wasted votes benifits mainstream parties