2 party system intact?

• Introduction + Judgement.

  In the UK, the two-party system has traditionally been dominated by Labour and the Conservatives. This essay will reject the view that the two-party system is still intact. While Labour and the Conservatives remain dominant, the rise of smaller parties, the impact of devolution, and the influence of proportional representation (PR) systems have significantly eroded the traditional two-party system, leading to a more fragmented and multi-party political landscape.
• Argument 1: Smaller Parties are Disadvantaged by FPTP

  Point:The First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) electoral system disproportionately disadvantages smaller parties, as it favours parties with concentrated support. This creates a two-party system by making it difficult for smaller parties to gain representation in Westminster.
• Argument 1: Smaller Parties are Disadvantaged by FPTP

  Example:

  • In the 2015 general election, UKIP won 12.6% of the vote but secured only one seat, while the Conservatives won 56% of the seats with just 44% of the vote in 2019.
  • The FPTP system creates a "winner’s bonus," where larger parties gain a disproportionate number of seats, marginalising smaller parties.

  Significance:This shows that the FPTP system entrenches the dominance of Labour and the Conservatives, making it difficult for smaller parties to break the two-party monopoly.
• Counter-Argument 1: The Rise of Smaller Parties in PR Systems

  Point:However, the use of proportional representation (PR) systems in devolved elections and European elections has allowed smaller parties to gain significant influence, challenging the two-party system.

  Example:

  • The Brexit Party won the 2019 European elections with 32% of the vote, compared to just 9% for the Conservatives.
  • Smaller parties like the Greens and the Liberal Democrats have performed well in local and devolved elections, where PR systems are used.
• Counter-Argument 1: The Rise of Smaller Parties in PR Systems

  Significance:The success of smaller parties in PR systems demonstrates that they can exert significant influence, particularly on specific issues like Brexit and climate change, challenging the dominance of the two main parties.

  Evaluation:While FPTP limits smaller parties’ influence in Westminster, their success in PR systems and their ability to shape the political agenda suggest that the two-party system is no longer intact.
• Argument 2: The Dominance of the "Big Two"

  Point:The two-party system remains intact because Labour and the Conservatives are the only well-rounded parties with longevity, focusing on a wide range of policies rather than single issues.

  Example:

  • Smaller parties like the SNP focus on single issues such as Scottish independence, which limits their ability to gain widespread support across the UK.
  • In the 2015 EU referendum, Scotland voted 68% to remain in the EU, but Brexit was implemented regardless, highlighting the limited influence of smaller parties in Westminster.
• Argument 2: The Dominance of the "Big Two"

  Significance:This suggests that smaller parties are often treated as pressure groups rather than equal political actors, reinforcing the dominance of the two main parties.
• Counter-Argument 2: The SNP’s Rise and Influence

  Point:However, the SNP has emerged as a significant force in UK politics, challenging the two-party system by dominating Scottish politics and exerting influence in Westminster.

  Example:

  • In the 2015 general election, the SNP won 56 out of 59 Scottish seats, reducing Labour and the Conservatives to just three seats combined.
  • The SNP has kept the issue of Scottish independence alive, securing "Devo Max" powers for Scotland and pushing for a second independence referendum.
• Counter-Argument 2: The SNP’s Rise and Influence

  Significance:The SNP’s dominance in Scotland and its influence on UK-wide debates, such as Brexit and constitutional reform, demonstrate that smaller parties can challenge the two-party system and exert significant influence.

  Evaluation:While the SNP’s focus on Scottish independence limits its appeal across the UK, its success in Scotland and its influence in Westminster suggest that the two-party system is no longer intact.
• Argument 3: Funding Disparities

  Point:Smaller parties struggle to compete with Labour and the Conservatives due to significant funding disparities, which reinforce the two-party system.

  Example:

  • In 2018, the Conservative Party raised £46 million in private donations, while the Green Party raised just £2 million.
  • Labour benefits from trade union funding, giving it a financial advantage over smaller parties.

  Significance:This financial disparity makes it difficult for smaller parties to campaign effectively, limiting their ability to challenge the dominance of the two main parties.
• Counter-Argument 3: The Influence of Smaller Parties on Policy

  Point:Despite funding disparities, smaller parties have influenced the policies of the two main parties, demonstrating their significance in UK politics.

  Example:

  • The Green Party’s focus on climate change has pushed Labour and the Conservatives to adopt greener policies, such as the Conservatives’ pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
  • UKIP’s rise forced the Conservatives to hold the Brexit referendum, fundamentally reshaping UK politics.
• Counter-Argument 3: The Influence of Smaller Parties on Policy

  Significance:Smaller parties act as agenda-setters, forcing the two main parties to adopt their policies to avoid losing votes. This demonstrates that smaller parties can exert significant influence, even without winning seats.

  Evaluation:While funding disparities limit smaller parties’ ability to compete electorally, their influence on policy and the political agenda suggests that the two-party system is no longer intact.
• Conclusion

  In conclusion, the two-party system is no longer intact in the UK. While Labour and the Conservatives remain dominant, the rise of smaller parties, the impact of devolution, and the influence of PR systems have significantly eroded the traditional two-party system. Smaller parties like the SNP, the Greens, and UKIP have demonstrated their ability to influence policy, shape the political agenda, and challenge the dominance of the two main parties. Therefore, the UK political system is increasingly characterised by a multi-party dynamic, rather than a rigid two-party system.