2024 Electoral systems

Question 1

Proportionality

Answer 1

2024 elections were the least proportional election in British History

Question 2

How did Labour win

Answer 2

Won by a landslide
- 411 seats (63% seats)
- 174 seat majority and just 33.7% of the vote, this is a clear example of the winners bonus due to FPTP as they get share of the votes that exceed their vote share

Question 3

How did minor parties increase their share of the vote

Answer 3

• Reform received 14% of the vote but just 5 MPs
• Green Party received 7% of the vote but just 4 MPs

Question 4

What was the reason for success of Lib Dem’s and Labour Party

Answer 4

They targeted marginal seats and there was significant tactical voting
As many voters supported whichever candidate was most likely to win in their constituency as their highest priority was to remove tories
- Combined, labour and Lib Dem’s won 483/650 seats with 43.55 votes
- Pressure group makes votes matter reported that in 2024 1/5 voters voted tactically

Question 5

How is it no longer a two party system that was caused by FPTP

Answer 5

In 2024, over 42% of voters didn’t vote labour or tories showing that there is no longer a two party system on voters preference

Question 6

How do 2024 elections support FPTP

Answer 6

• Creates strong, single party govts with strong mandate
  Stammers party won a 174 seat majority with just 33% of the popular vote
• Speedy and simple
  The first constituency result was announced on the day of the election and the result was clear the next morning and Stanmer arrived at Downing Street as the new PM at 12pm the day after the election

Question 7

How do the 2024 elections show disadvantages of FPTP

Answer 7

• Creates a winners bonus, giving a disporportionate amount of seats to the biggest party
  The Labour Party won 63% of the seats with just 33.7% of the vote
• Greatly underrepresents the majority of minor parties that lack geographical concentrated support
  Reform UK received 14% of the vote but only 5 seats