party systems in the uk

party system: the number of parties in a political system n how those parties compete n cooperate

  • there are 3 types of party systems potensh in the uk:

    • two party system

    • two and a half party system

    • multi-party system

two party system:

  • traditional view

    • existed between 1945 n 1970

    • during this period the tories n labour parties won over 90% of the vote

    • during 13 years of continuous conservative rule between 1951 n 1964, looked more like a dominant system

  • offers a straight forward choice

    • 2 parties = stable, allows for choice n accountable

  • built on 2 key foundations

    • supported by stable party loyalties

    • supported by class-based division within a society

two and a half party system:

  • 2-party system broke down from 1974 onwards

    • 89.4% voted for Con/Lab in 1970 > 74.1% in Feb 1974

    • even with lower vote share, the 2 parties still received over 90% of seats in the Commons (1974-92) and 86-88% (1997-2015)

  • Major beneficiary of change was the Liberal Party.

  • Increased from 7.5% vote (6 seats) in 1970 to 19.3% vote (14 seats) in Feb 1974.

  • Coalition with the Conservative Party in 2010.

  • Share collapsed post-2015, with the SNP now the third largest party.

multi party system:

  • Established since 1997.

  • Devolution elevated nationalist parties to prominence.

  • PR improved representation for minor and emerging parties.

  • Emergence of new issues fragmented voting blocs.

  • Parties like UKIP, Brexit Party, SNP, and Greens gained impetus.