Politics Weekly UK ‘The centre cannot hold’: John Curtice on the collapse of two-party politics
Oct 30, 2025
Professor Sir John Curtice, a leading psephologist, and Gabby Hinsliff, a political commentator, dive deep into the alarming decline of the UK's main political parties. They discuss the record-low popularity of Labour and Conservatives, the implications for the upcoming election, and the rise of parties like the Greens and Reform UK. The conversation shifts to Labour's struggle with tax promises and the increasingly toxic issue of immigration. Curtice and Hinsliff explore how these dynamics shape public sentiment and governmental strategies.
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Two‑Party Vote Share Hits Historic Low
- Polling shows Labour and Conservatives together command just 37% of current vote intention, a historic low for the two-party share.
- This marks a major fracture in UK politics and raises questions about the future of the two-party system.
Labour's 2024 Victory Was Narrowly Built
- Labour's 35% vote in 2024 was the lowest for any government that still won a majority, revealing the thinness of its mandate.
- Curtice argues Labour's parliamentary strength rests on a fragile, narrowly won coalition rather than broad popular support.
Greens Erode Labour Among Young Voters
- The Greens have broken through the 10% barrier and lead among 16–24-year-olds, siphoning young, urban professional support from Labour.
- Youth and urban votes that backed Labour in 2019 are now shifting to Green alternatives.