electoral systems

Question 1

why was the 2015 election disproportionate

Answer 1

In the 2015 election there was a huge disproportion of seats through the FPTP system as Ukip won 12.6% although they only received one seat.

Question 2

why was the 2024 election disproportionate
how did smaller parties benefit

Answer 2

In the 2024 general election there is a disproportion of seats through the FPTP system as Reform UK won 14.29% of votes yet they only received 5 seats. The Green party has won 6.39% of the vote share although they have only gained 4 seats. Liberal Democrats became the third-largest party again by winning 72 seats with 12.22% vote share

Smaller parties’ vote share has drastically increased due to the tactical voting against Conservatives (42.6%).

In the 2024 general election Labour won a landslide victory with the vote share of 33.7%, gaining 63.2% of the seats in the Commons.

Question 3

example of FPTP keeping out extremist parties

Answer 3

FPTP keeping out extremist parties: In 2010, the BNP won 1.9% of the vote, which would translate to §1 -12 seats if a proportional system was used. Under FPTP, they got no seats in Westminster.
However, using the FPTP system George Galloway from Workers Party of Britain (far-left, pro-communist party) is elected as the new Rochdale MP in 2024 (vote share: 40%)
Update: George Galloway lost his seat to Labour in the 2024 general election

Question 4

Referendums

Answer 4

1975 Referendum on the UK staying in the EU:
67% remain.

1997 Establishment of Scottish Parliament:
74% Yes, 25% No, 60% Turnout

1998 Approval of the GFA:
71% Yes, 29% No, 81% Turnout

2011 AV referendum:
32% Yes, 67% No, 42% Turnout

2014 Scottish Independence referendum:
45% Yes, 55% No, 84% Turnout

2016 Brexit referendum: ‘Get brexit done’
48% Remain, 52% Leave, 72% Turnout