UK Political Parties Flashcards
Three functions of political parties
Win elections and make decisions. Party that wins the most seats usually forms the government and the leader becomes PM. Provides a clear mechanism for turning election results into authority. e.g. Johnson won a Conservative majority in 2019
Represent different groups. Provide voters with a manifesto that outlines their stance. Ensures a wide range of opinions and interests are heard in Parliament e.g. Labour party has close ties with trade unions Unite and Unison and help increase things like minimum wage. 2025 budget
Offer electorate a way to get involved with politics. Encourages public engagement with politics via campaigns, rallies, local meetings and party membership. E.g. Lib Dems used targeted Facebook ads during the 2019 election, especially in Pro-Remain constituencies to attract young and pro-European voters. Also held online Q&As
The way the three main UK political parties elect their leaders
Liberal Democrats use the Alternative vote and OMOV. Usually just with two candidates because they don’t have enough members. Open to all members - reflects values of grassroots democracy. E.g. Ed Davey vs Layla Moran, Davey won
Labour - Must secure nominate from 10% of party and 5% of CLPs or affiliated groups. OMOV, members, supporters and union members vote. Enabled more left-wing leaders like Corbyn to get in.
Conservatives use second ballot which means vote each round (MPs vote) and the candidate with the least amount of votes loses until two candidates remain. Two candidates = party members vote and the candidate with the most becomes leader. Ensures leader has support of MPs and electorate. E.g. 2025 Badenoch
Three roles of party manifestos in general elections
Communicate policies and vision. Outline the parties priorities and persuade voters. Help voters understand how the party will govern. Serve as a campaign blueprint for leaders and candidates. E.g. Conservative 2019 “Get Brexit Done” post-frustration with Brexit gridlock, helped Johnson secure majority
Provides a mandate. Strengthens legitimacy of gov decisions. Justifies decisions, especially controversial reforms. E.g. Thatcher’s 1983 manifesto promised privatisation, gave her mandate for economic reforms
Benchmark for accountability. Parties can be held accountable by voters, media and political opponents after the election. Failure to deliver promises can lead to loss of trust and electoral punishment. E.g. Lib Dem 2010 manifesto promised to scrap tuition fees but they broke that promise and tripled them in the coalition which damaged their credibility
Three ways minor parties can have an impact on the political system
Influence the political agenda. Raise issues that major parties may ignore, which forces them into public debateThey can act as agenda setters who shape public discourse. E.g UKIP played a key role in pushing the Conservatives to the Brexit referendum in 2016
Affecting electoral outcomes. Minor parties can split the vote. They can siphon votes from major parties and change outcomes in marginal seats. E.g. Green Party in 2010 and 2015. Their votes may have cost Labour some marginal seats by splitting the progressive vote
Drive constitutional change. Regional parties can push for devolution or independence. Minor parties with strong support could reshape the UK. Influence can result in referendums or greater autonomy. E.g. SNP support led to an independence referendum in 2014
Three ways of funding opposition parties
Public funding. Parties with seats that aren’t in gov receive funding via short or Cranbourne money. Short money = research, staffing and office expenses. Cranbourne = election campaigns and organisational structures. Levels the playing field and prevents the governing party from dominating the legislative agenda. E.g. SNP use short money to employ specialist research staff
Private donations and members. Maintains party organisation at a grassroots level. Often a direct reflection of public support. PPERA mandates transparency with donations etc which maintains public trust. E.g. Labour been in opposition most and are reliant on small-donor contributions. Mobilised grassroots support to raise funds via online donations. Counters influence on big businesses
Fundraising events. Dinners, gala events and digital campaigns. Serve as platforms to build communicate and reinforce party identity. Opportunities to present an alternative vision. E.g. Lib Dems hold annual fundraisers to raise funds and highlight policy issues like electoral reform. Extend reach of party
Three ways the role of media has impacted political parties
Frame political narrative. Determine which issues gain prominence by focusing on selective media coverage. Parties often adjust their platforms in response to persistent media coverage. E.g. 2016 Brexit, media extensively covered for and against arguments. Parties adjusted their messaging to align with this
Candidate portrayal. Primary platform for communication during a campaign. Portrayal can make or break their image. Positive = build trust and recognition. Negative = undermine electability. E.g. 2010 general election, Clegg became a ‘media darling’ and appeared to win all debates
Media = tool for accountability. Persistent media scrutiny can uncover controversies and force parties to address areas of transparency. Fundamental for a healthy democracy because parties are forced to answer for their actions. E.g 2009 Expenses Scandal - led to reforms in party finance.
Three factions of the Conservative party
One Nation. Pragmatism and state intervention when necessary. Disraeli’s vision. State has a role in providing safety nets and investing in pubic services. Temper the free market. David Cameron was associated with them - emphasised the need for modernisation and social inclusion 2013 Marriage Act
Thatcherite and Free Market Conservatives. Champion the free market and advocate for low taxation. Economic Liberalism - privatisation and deregulation to spur innovation. Belief in more traditional values and a small government. Associated with Jacob Rees-Mogg and the push for Brexit in 2016
Eurosceptics. Critical view of the EU. Emphasis on border control. UK should not be bound by EU rules and should have full control over laws and borders. Reshaped policy debates on trade and immigration. Populist rhetoric, argue that the EU compromises British identity. Associated with Johnson and his 2019 “Get Brexit Done” campaign.
Three factions of the Labour party
Momentum. More radical and socialist wing. Emerged under Corbyn. Advocates for a return to more socialist policies. Bold changed via higher taxes for the wealthy and nationalisation of key industries like the railway. Change os necessary to overcome structural inequality. Corbyn’s leadership - policy proposals like expanding welfare spending became central to the party
New labour. More centrist strand, inspired by Labour under Blair. Fiscal responsibility and electability. labour must appear government ready and appeal to all, rejects sweeping socialist reforms. Ed Miliband’s leadership advocated to improve public services whilst maintaining fiscal discipline.
Trade Unionists. Concerned with safeguarding workers rights, ensures strong union representation in decision making and influences debates on employment rights. Ensures workers voices are heard, act as a balancing act within the party. Unite and UNISON are heavily involved in the party. Endorsements are often decisive in internal votes on policy positions.
