The Structures + Functions Of The Main Parties Flashcards
Why do parties need structures
-help to perform key roles including — formulating policy, drawing up manifesto, selecting candidates for elections + choosing leader
-how this is undertaken reflects parties history + political outlook
-all 3 main parties have tendency towards centralised power in hands of leadership
-but cons recently favoured internal party democracy e.g. ordinary party members have final say
What is the local level structure of the main parties
-cons -> local conservative associations (LCA) so,Erika’s with ward branches below them
-lab -> each constituency has constituency Labour Party (CLP) + council ward level Branch Labour parties (BLP)
-libdems -> have local branches but also organised along federal lines with separate national parties for England, Scotland + wales
What is the local level policy making system of structure
-cons -> LCA key role organising party grassroots + planning local campaigning + selecting candidates but with less autonomy than previously
-lab -> CLP takes lead in local + national election campaigns
-libdems -> local branches main role running constituency level campaigns + submit motives to conference for debate
What is the national level structure
-cons -> day to day running of party machine undertaken by Board of Cons party made up in representatives from each party election incl. MPs + only 3/18 members are from grassroots party which is overseen by annual convention
-lab -> day to day running undertakes by national executive committee (NEC) which enforced discipline + can expel members for breaking rules + has final say over selection parliamentary candidates
-libdems-> federal bears (FB) governing body + comprises 35 voting members incl. party president, leader, 3 MPs + 1 young lib representative
What is the 3 stage process for candidate selection
-first stage -> hopeful candidates must get on central list of approved candidates after undergoing selection procedure + training e.g. all aspiring cons must pass parliamentary assessment board to test skills + communication
-second stage -> once on party’s central list then must apply get shortlisted as prospective parliamentary candidates by local branches
-third stage -> then get adopted following vote of local party members
Why and how have party’s been seeking more candidate diversity
-parties recently sought increase this in particular areas like gender + ethnicity
-lab -> pioneered all women shortlists
-cons -> help open primaries + priority lists often called a-lists
-but 2019 lab accused of fast-tracking long lists of favoured candidates in Ealing North etc. to have candidates ready for snap local elections
-but party activists claimed these lists lacked sufficient local candidates + undermined local parties proper + democratic influence on process
What is the system that parties follow for leadership elections
-a two stage process
-first stage -> choice lies with a number of MPs/local parties to nominate a candidate
-second stage -> choice lies with party members who vote on the candidates
How do the 3 main parties vote in the first stage (selection by MPs)
-cons -> vote in series of ballots to narrow choice to 2 candidates e.g. 2019 9 MPs secured enough support to stand but after votes 7 eliminated leaving Hunt + Johnson
-lab -> candidates must secure backing of 10% lab MPs + either 5% of constituency parties or 3 affiliated unions e.g. 2020 race succeed corbyn, Thornberry failed sufficient support from affiliates so unable proceed to first round but starmer did
-libdems -> must gain support from at least 10% of other MPs + supported by at least 200 members from over 20 local parties
How do the 3 main parties vote in the second stage (selection by party members)
-cons -> one member one vote system (OMOV) e.g. Johnson won clear victory 2019 with 2/3 vote after 16 regional hustings before party members + TV debates
-lab -> OMOV basis using alternative vote system to make final choice
-libdems -> OMOV basis also with alternative vote e.g. Ed Davey won leadership 2020 63.5% in first round so no need for second round
Why is there a balance between participation grassroots members + input party’s MPs + stakeholders e.g. lab affiliated unions with both policy making + leadership selection
-to avoid ordinary members becoming disillusioned + less willing to campaign if not involved in selection process
-without peer review by those who know candidates best is danger chosen leader lacks sufficient support from parliamentary group + this often affected corbyn during lab lead
-excessive facilitation if policy making to wider membership could prove electorally damaging
-aim to strike a balance between membership participation and+ central direction
What is a synoptic link for candidate selection
-in US candidates chosen from primary system
-it allowed more public participation + prevent lower residing with central party structures
-no direct equivalents of single national party as in the UK
