FPTP

• FPTP can lead to disproportionate outcomes - the 2 main parties win significantly more seats than other parties who may have similar shares of the vote

  In 1983, Labour and Alliance had only 2% difference in the vote share, but Labour secured over 180 seats more than Alliance

  In 2024, Labour's share of seats was almost double their share of the popular vote
• Votes under FPTP have unequal values - constituencies are not the same size and votes are worth 1 in each constituency but 1 vote would have more weight in a smaller constituency

  Votes in Chorley - Sir Lindsey Hoyle's seat - has essentially no value as the Speaker is often the only candidate that runs

  Isle of Wight was only one constituency until 2023, but since its split into two, votes are worth significantly more
• There is only the illusion of choice of candidates - many constituencies only have three to four candidates with any chance of winning, with so many safe seats in the UK - only 46 were considered marginal before the 2024 election
• FPTP is influential in creating a strong and stable government. Since the world wars, there has only been one coalition government - others have survived with slim majorities (James Callaghan had 3 seats, but ended up with a minority after by elections) and minority governments (Theresa May in 2017 and she struck a deal with DUP to be able to pass legislation)
• FPTP is successful in keeping out extremist parties by making it much more difficult for minor parties. While it does present some threat to democracy, it is necessary to prevent extremism, so long as it is not so widespread that FPTP begins to benefit them

  Reform UK won 15% of the vote in 2024, but was confined to only 5 seats
• FPTP is a simple system that allows for there to be a clear representative for people to lobby and hold accountable. It allows them a easier understanding of the political system and encourages participation