2.2 Established political parties. Flashcards
Conservative Party factions
- Tory Reform Group – One-Nation moderates: pro-welfare, pro-LGBTQ+, socially liberal.
- Conservative Way Forward – Thatcherite: low tax, small state, pro-privatisation. Eg, Liz Truss’s econ vision
- ERG – Hard Eurosceptics: pro-hard Brexit, strict immigration, sovereignty first. Eg, Suella Braverman
conservative origins
-Originated from 17th-century Tory Party, defending the monarchy & Church.
-Disraeli promoted ON paternalism to prevent class conflict.
–> paternalism, and prag + social reforms to reduce social ineqs w the rich fufilling an obligation (noblesse oblige) to the needs of the poor.
-Thatcher (79–90’) revolutionised CP (combined N lib and con)→ strong NR ideology: neoliberal econ + neocons social values (social authoritarianism)
–> favoured ind over state seen through fm econ, reduced welfare and lower taxes + strong nationalistic character + traditional values = rejected consensus and compromise
-Since 2010: shift between austerity, Brexit populism, and anti-woke rhetoric (e.g. Badenoch 2025).
more recent con govs - Cam gov onwards
- Cameron: 05 - 16’ (‘Liberal Conservatism’ with ON) = Tried to ‘detoxify’ party → adopted ‘Big Society’, legalised gay marriage, focused on environment + NHS
- May → Johnson → Sunak (Post-Thatcher Realignment) = Increasing internal division over Brexit; move from One-Nation back to Right-wing populism, law/order, anti-immigration
- Badenoch (NR Resurgence) = Strong on culture wars, traditionalism, deregulation, anti-woke, immigration caps, tougher welfare; Thatcherite revival
conservative economic policy
-Tax Cuts: £17bn tax cuts incl. NI reduction; supports low-tax, supply-side economics.
-Public Borrowing: Capped at 3% of GDP → reflects fiscal conservatism post-Truss chaos.
-Infrastructure Investment: Planning reform + digital/transport investment to stimulate growth.
📌 Reflects Thatcherite ideals with Sunak’s economic caution.
conservative welfare policy
-Triple Lock Plus: Protects pensioners from tax; appeals to aging voter base.
-Child Benefit Changes: Raise thresholds, soften tax burden on families.
-Disability Reforms: Tougher benefit eligibility; emphasis on self-reliance
conservative foreign policy
-National Interest Test: Aid must align with UK strategic goals.
-Defence Spending: 2.5% of GDP by 2030 → assertive global posture.
📌 Sovereignty, realism, military strength = core Tory FP values.
conservative law and order
-Tougher Sentences: On knife crime & grooming; punitive approach.
-Prison Expansion: Build 4 new prisons to solve overcrowding.
-Rwanda Plan: Deportation of asylum seekers → part of deterrence-based immigration.
📌 Rooted in New Right belief in human imperfection + national sovereignty.
labour origins
-Attlee (1945–51): NHS, welfare state, nationalisation – democratic socialism.
-Old Labour (1945–79): reform capitalism through social democracy, income redistribution, nationalisation.
-New Labour (1994–2010, Blair): ‘Third Way’ = pro-market + social justice. Dropped nationalisation, embraced business. Key policies: NHS/education spending, constitutional reform, welfare to work, private sector in services.
-Corbyn (2015–19): Return to hard-left; renationalisation + high public spending → heavy 2019 defeat.
-Starmer (2020–): Shift back to moderate centre-left, aiming for economic credibility + fairness.
labour party factions
- Momentum:
- Hard-left, pro-Corbyn faction.
- Supports public ownership, union power, anti-austerity.
- Aims to democratise Labour + restore socialism. - Blairites
- Centrist, New Labour faction (Tony Blair).
- Pro-business, socially liberal, economically pragmatic.
- Focus on broad electoral appeal + ‘Third Way’ politics.
3.Blue Labour
- Socially conservative, economically left.
- Emphasises family, community, nation.
- Aims to reconnect Labour with working-class voters.
more recent labour Govs
New Labour (1997–2010, Blair/Brown):
➤ Third Way centrism; pro-business + pro-welfare balance.
➤ Major NHS/education investment, minimum wage, constitutional reform.
➤ Iraq War + 2008 financial crisis shaped later years.
Corbyn Era (2015–2019) (Opposition):
➤ Shifted party sharply left: nationalisation, tax hikes, free tuition.
➤ Backed by Momentum; 2019 defeat = radical agenda rejected.
whats Securonomics?
-Labour’s economic strategy under Rachel Reeves, focused on fiscal responsibility, investment-led growth, and economic stability to rebuild trust with voters and markets.
-It blends New Labour-style caution with targeted public investment, especially in green energy and the NHS, to deliver long-term prosperity without radical tax hikes.
current starmer gov
-Moved party to centre after 2019 defeat.
-Suspended Corbyn; reasserted discipline + purged radical MPs.
2024 election victory on centrist platform: low tax, NHS investment, pro-business.
Policies:
1.Renationalise rail + launch Great British Energy (limited public ownership).
£40bn tax rises (CGT, employers’ NI), but froze income tax/corp tax = fiscal responsibility (‘securonomics’).
2. 2.5% defence spending; scrapped Rwanda plan; tough on crime + antisocial behaviour.
3. Repeal anti-strike laws, boost union dialogue, but also welfare cuts (PIP reforms).
labour economy
-National Wealth Fund: £7.3bn green investment → public ownership revival (Great British Energy).
-Corporation Tax Cap (25%): Pro-business stability.
-Planning Reform: Empower local gov to unlock infrastructure-led growth.
📌 Green Keynesianism meets cautious fiscal credibility.
labour welfare
-NHS Workforce Boost: 40,000 new staff = service expansion.
-Mental Health Staff: 8,500 hired, plus MRI/CT upgrades.
-Neighbourhood Health Centres: Integration of local care services.
📌 Investment-led welfare expansion with social equity framing.
labour law and order
-Neighbourhood Policing: 13,000 new officers/PCSOs → community focus.
-Specialist Units: Focus on domestic/sexual abuse cases.
-Youth Hubs: Crime prevention via social investment.
📌 Tough on crime, tough on causes of crime — New Labour legacy reworked.
labour foreign policy
-EU Security Pact: Rebuild ties post-Brexit → cooperation > membership.
-Global South Relations: Diplomacy built on mutual respect.
-Recognise Palestinian State: Progressive internationalism.
📌 Global repair agenda; liberal internationalist in tone.
lib dem policies
💷 Economy:
Backed an industrial strategy for future industries (green energy, digital, biosciences).
Pushed for progressive tax reform (e.g. fairer capital gains tax) and stronger EU trade ties.
👮 Law & Order:
Opposed Conservative Rwanda asylum scheme; promoted safe legal routes for refugees.
Supported proportional representation and wider democratic reform (fairer voting system, accountable government).
🏥 Welfare:
Committed to major NHS investment, mental health funding, and protecting pensions via the triple lock.
Focused on timely GP access and reducing health inequalities.
🌍 Foreign Policy:
Pledged to restore DFID (Department for International Development) for focused global aid.
Committed to returning aid to 0.7% of GDP, and to recognising Palestinian statehood in support of a two-state solution.
lib dem origins
Origins:
Formed in 1988 from a merger between the Liberal Party and Social Democratic Party (SDP); rooted in classical liberalism, civil liberties, and constitutional reform.
Traditions:
Pro-European, socially liberal, support electoral reform, environmentalism, and decentralisation of power.
lib dem factions
Orange Book Liberals
➡️ Right-leaning Lib Dems: pro-market, individual liberty, economic liberalism.
➡️ Support privatisation, low taxes, limited state.
➡️ Key figures: Nick Clegg, David Laws.
Social Liberals
➡️ Left-leaning Lib Dems: pro-welfare, equality, and social justice.
➡️ Support public services, redistribution, strong civil rights.
➡️ Key figures: Ed Davey, Vince Cable (later years).
