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The UK Election: 6. How Important Are Marginal Seats?
Jun 17, 2024
Political correspondent Alex Forsyth discusses the impact of marginal seats, tactical voting, and electoral pacts on UK elections. Exploring how constituency boundary changes, safe seats, and shifting dynamics influence election outcomes. Guest host Adam Fleming provides insights from a senior BBC elections analyst.
14:15
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Quick takeaways
- Marginal seats impact election outcomes by slim majorities in constituencies.
- Boundary changes in constituencies can significantly alter the political landscape and election results.
Deep dives
Understanding Marginal Seats in Elections
Marginal seats in elections refer to constituencies where the winning party is ahead by 10% or less of the second-place party, typically around 5,000 votes difference. The shifting landscape of marginals in the UK's general elections is influenced by historical voting patterns and changes in constituency demographics. While marginals play a vital role in election outcomes, recent trends suggest that winning marginals alone may not guarantee a majority, necessitating parties to secure additional gains for a substantial impact on election results.
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