Representation in the House of Commons

How many MPs does a governing party need to have a parliamentary majority?

326

What percent of MPs are female?

34%

What percent of MPs are state school educated?

54%

What percent of the population are from state schools?

93%

One example of a party leader removing the whip:

In 2019 Boris Johnson removed 21 Conservatives MPs for voting with labour to take control of the Parliamentary agenda.

What are the two main ways MPs can be deselected for rebelling?

Have the Party whip withdrawn
Being deselected at the next election

Evidence to show MPs rarely rebel:

Since 2019, 319 MPs have never rebelled against the whips.

Who was the most rebellious MP 2019-2022?

Christopher Chope (Cons): Rebelled on 16% of votes.

How did Brexit result in MPs voting based on national opinion rather than constituency?

418 constituencies voted to remain yet only 114 MPs voted against triggering Article 50.

What are the roles of the speaker?

Decide who speaks in debates
Votes to maintain the status quo if the vote is tied- Dension Rule

What is the role of Ministers?

To form a cabinet and hold offices

What percent of the population is female?

51%

What is the only characteristic that is accurately represented in Parliament based on the population?

7%

What does to have the "party whip withdrawn" mean?

Be kicked out of the party

How do the "Whips" demonstrate how MPs should vote?

One-line whip: MPs don't have to attend the vote but should vote with the party if they do
Two-line whip: Unless MPs are busy they should attend
Three-line whip: MPs must attend and vote as directed y the whip

Which party has MPs that rebel the most?

Conservatives.

One large HM opposition rebellion:

November 2023: 56 Labour MPs voted against the whip and voted for an amendment to the King's Speech to include a ceasefire in Israel-Palestine conflict.

Example of abstinence being used for rebellion:

2005 Tony Blair proposed an amendment to be able to hold terror suspects for 90 days without charge.

What percentage of time is it estimated MPs spend on constituency work?

50%

Example of an MP representing their constituency:

Stephen Timms: Holds surgeries on a Costa on the High Street. After acid attacks he advocated for tighter legislation on corrosive substances -> Now illegal to carry outside of its original container.

Example of MPs putting national need above constituents:

MPs around Manchester went against their constituents when voting in support of HS2 even though it will require destroying homes and businesses in the area.