ETVT the UK has a multi party system

P1 For - Govs

Hung Par more regular

2010 coalition
2017 confidence and supply

P1 Against - Govs

Lab Con historical dominance
Have always formed the gov and opposition
dominate vote share due to tactical voting - Bromley 2024 keeping Reform out
83% vote share in 2019

P2 For - Votting system impacts

Large power spread in devolved assemblies
2021 Holyrood had 3 parties with over 20 seats
PC have won over 10 seats in every Senedd election
PR systems such as AMS spread power more proportionally

P2 Against - Voting system impacts

FPTP perpetuates the two party system
Not proportional from votes won to seats won
Winners bonus - Lab ‘24 = 34% vote 64% seats
UKIP 2015 = 12% vote, 1 seat
Reform 12.5% vote 5 seats

P3 For - Strengths of minor parties

Political dissent towards two party system
Defections - 8 Reform MP’s are ex-tory e.g. Danny Kruger for East Wiltshire
Green membership rising to over 200k by March ‘26 up from 50k Dec ‘23
LD won 72 seats - highest ever
Refrom won 12.5% vote share - Split right wing vote and led to worst tory performance eevr

P3 Against - Weakness of minor parties

Small parties don’t receive genuine support
Used for tactical voting or single issue
Greens win by election in Feb 2026 Gordon and Denton as got support from other to keep Reform out
UKIP 12% vote in 2015 0.1% in 2019