What are Political Parties?
When you vote in a general election you vote for an MP (Member of Parliament) to represent your area. Most MPs are part of a political party, the party with the majority of MPs (326) wins the election and the leader of that party becomes Prime Minister.
MPs are usually in a particular party because they have similar views to the party’s core beliefs, however their personal opinion may have one or two differences. To get a more accurate idea of what your Local MP stands for it is best to contact them directly.
There are of course a huge number of smaller parties and independent candidates that stand in elections, often it depends on your local area. We recommend you look into the other parties, especially if you’re not inclined to vote for any of the above.
Parties in the UK Parliament:
The Conservative Party, often referred to as the Tories, is one of the UK’s oldest and most prominent political parties.
Ideologically center-right, they traditionally advocate for free-market principles, lower taxation, and a strong national defense.
They prioritise fiscal responsibility, deregulation, and fostering a business-friendly environment. Socially, they emphasize values such as individual responsibility and law and order.
Historically, the Conservatives have been associated with policies promoting economic liberalism and conservatism, but recent years have seen shifts in their approach, particularly on issues like environmental sustainability and social welfare.
The Labour Party is the UK’s main center-left political party, representing the interests of the working class and advocating for social justice, equality, and progressive policies.
Founded by trade unions and socialist groups, Labour traditionally supports policies such as wealth redistribution, public ownership of key industries, and a robust welfare state. They prioritise issues such as healthcare, education, housing, and workers’ rights.
Labour’s ideology is rooted in democratic socialism, aiming to create a fairer society through government intervention and collective action. They have historically focused on issues such as income inequality, social justice, and public services
The Scottish National Party is a center-left political party in Scotland advocating for Scottish independence and progressive policies.
They prioritise issues such as social welfare, education, and healthcare, while also promoting Scotland’s right to self-determination.
The SNP aims to build a fairer, more prosperous Scotland through policies such as progressive taxation, renewable energy investment, and support for small businesses. They have a strong focus on Scottish interests and were the main driving force behind the Scottish independence referendum in 2014.
The Liberal Democrats, often referred to as the Lib Dems, occupy the center ground of British politics, advocating for liberalism, social progressivism, and centrist policies.
They prioritise individual freedoms, civil liberties, and environmental sustainability, while also promoting social justice and economic liberalism. The party supports policies such as electoral reform, human rights protection, and international cooperation.
The Liberal Democrats traditionally appeal to voters disillusioned with the two major parties, positioning themselves as a pragmatic alternative with a focus on compromise and consensus-building.
Plaid Cymru is a center-left political party in Wales advocating for greater autonomy for Wales and progressive policies emphasising the importance of Welsh identity and self-governance.
They prioritize issues such as Welsh language preservation, economic development, and social justice.
Plaid Cymru aims to strengthen Wales’s voice on the national stage and empower Welsh communities through policies such as investment in infrastructure, renewable energy, and cultural heritage.
The Green Party of England and Wales, often simply referred to as the Green Party, is a left-wing political party advocating for environmental sustainability, social justice, and progressive policies.
They prioritise issues such as climate change mitigation, renewable energy, and ecological conservation, alongside social justice initiatives such as universal basic income and affordable housing.
The Green Party promotes policies aimed at creating a more equitable and sustainable society, often advocating for greater government intervention in environmental and social matters. They also emphasize participatory democracy and grassroots activism.
- Sinn Féin also have representatives elected at General Elections, however they choose not to take their seats, and as a result none of their MPs appear, debate, or vote in the House of Commons.
- The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) is a right-wing unionist political party in Northern Ireland. It advocates for maintaining Northern Ireland’s status as part of the United Kingdom and prioritizes issues such as British identity, unionism, and social conservatism.
- Alba is a new party, formed by former SNP leader Alex Salmond. Some members of the SNP have defected to Alba, giving them 2 MPs.
- Reform UK, formerly known as the Brexit Party, is a right-wing political party. It was founded in 2019 with a primary focus on advocating for Brexit, the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. They gained their first MP after a former Conservative MP defected in 2024.
