Political Parties: Leadership Elections

Question 1

Which systems do all the three main political parties in the UK use for leadership election and how does it generally work?

Answer 1

Two-stage system, where candidates have to be initially nominated by a certain number of MPs/local parties with the final choice made by party members

Question 2

How are leaders nominated by MPs in the Conservative Party?

Answer 2

MPs vote in a series of ballots to narrow the choices down to just two votes

Question 3

How are leaders nominated by MPs in the Labour Party?

Answer 3

Candidates must first secure the backing of at least 10% of Labour MPs, and also 5% of constituency parties or at leats three affiliates (two of which must be trade unions)

Question 4

How are leaders nominated by MPs in the Liberal Democrats?

Answer 4

Candidates must gain support from at least 10% of other Liberal Democrat MPs and be supported by at least 200 members from more than 20 local parties

Question 5

How are leaders elected by party members in the Conservative Party?

Answer 5

Party members make the final pick on a one member one vote basis (OMOV)

Question 6

How are leaders nominated by MPs in the Labour Party?

Answer 6

Party members and registered supporters vote on a OMOV basis using the alternative vote system

Question 7

How are leaders nominated by MPs in the Liberal Democrats?

Answer 7

Party members use the OMOV basis using an alternative vote system