UK Politics: Electoral System, Parties, and Key Events
Problems with the Electoral System
The current electoral system is often criticized for being unrepresentative, potentially leading to minority rule. It can result in a two-party system that excludes minority parties and creates a spoiler effect, where the least desirable candidate wins. The system is also susceptible to gerrymandering. The 2015 election highlighted these disparities.
Potential Solutions
Constitutional reform could introduce alternative voting methods, such as ranked-choice voting, which allows for better representation. Proportional representation, where the number of seats won by a party reflects its share of the electorate’s support, is another possible solution.
Britain’s Two-Party System: A Shifting Landscape
Historically, the Conservative and Labour parties have dominated British government. A divisive class system supported this two-party structure, with business people voting Conservative and manual workers voting Labour. However, in the 1970s, figures like Blair and Cameron shifted towards more centralist views, challenging the traditional system. Since the 1980s, the emergence of third-party alternatives has further eroded the two-party system, reflecting changes in demographics, ethnic diversity, immigration, and broader societal shifts.
The 2015 Election: A Turning Point
The Scottish National Party (SNP) gained seats in Parliament, significantly impacting the Labour Party. The election exposed the dynamics of social class divisions. Despite predictions of a hung parliament, the Conservatives won a majority, signaling a shift from integration to isolation. The leaders of the Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, and UK Independence Party (UKIP) all resigned due to worse-than-expected results. Financial markets reacted positively to the Conservative victory, with the Euro, Pound, and Dollar increasing in value due to David Cameron’s re-election as Prime Minister.
Cameron’s Resignation
David Cameron resigned due to political embarrassment and disagreement with the outcome of the Brexit referendum. A vote of no confidence further contributed to his decision. He essentially “fell on his sword” in an attempt to appease UKIP voters, ultimately resigning and leaving Theresa May to manage the aftermath.
Austerity Measures
Austerity refers to government policies aimed at reducing spending to address budget deficits. Examples include raising tuition fees for universities and cutting spending on the National Health Service (NHS). However, these measures led to student protests and increased support for the opposition. The Liberal Democrats, who were supposed to keep austerity and Cameron in check, were largely unsuccessful.
Reasons for a Prime Minister’s Resignation
A Prime Minister might step down due to:
- A vote of no confidence, indicating a loss of support within their own government (e.g., Blair after the Iraq War).
- A rebellion within their cabinet, suggesting they have outlived their usefulness.
- Bully Authoritarianism, where the leader is perceived as accumulating too much power, necessitating their removal to prevent detrimental policymaking (e.g., Thatcher).
The Downfall of Gordon Brown
Gordon Brown replaced Tony Blair, who possessed significant dynamism and charisma, qualities Brown lacked. While considered an economic expert, the recession ultimately led to his political demise.
The Role of Bureaucracy
Bureaucracy refers to a system of government where important decisions are made by state officials rather than elected representatives. In the UK, this system is embodied by Her Majesty’s Civil Service. Civil servants (including cabinet members, and members of the Scottish and Welsh governments), who are employees of the Crown rather than Parliament, are responsible for carrying out the functions of government. Executive decisions made by government ministries are implemented by HM Civil Service. UK civil servants undertake operational duties, including conceptualizing and refining legislation.
Labour to New Labour
Tony Blair created New Labour, shifting the party away from the collectivism and socialism of the past towards a more centrist position. He aimed to transition from equality of outcome to equality of opportunity. New Labour adopted more capitalist and neoliberal policies, similar to those of Thatcher, and emphasized the use of the welfare state to foster a more educated population that would contribute back to the community.