The shift in working class voting towards the Conservative Party post-2019 election is not solely based on traditional occupational definitions. Rather, older voters with lower education levels, who are economically secure, owning homes and having savings, supported the Conservatives. This voting pattern is correlated with concerns about Brexit. Areas experiencing economic decline were seen switching to the Tories, indicating a complex interplay of hope, insecurity, and stereotypes driving political preferences. The influence of insecurity in shaping voting trends is significant, reflecting the broader societal theme of economic instability and uncertainty.
The Labour Party first took office on 22nd January 1924. In the century that followed it has only had six prime ministers and been in power for a total of 33 years. The Labour MP Jon Cruddas looks back at A Century of Labour – the successes and failures. While the Party has been riven by factions from the left and the right, Cruddas also looks at the competing visions of the what the Party represents.
The Labour Party was born out of the increase in franchise, the industrialisation of the workforce and unions, and in its early days class was a key factor in voting patterns. The political scientist Jane Green is a specialist in public opinion and electoral behaviour. She argues that the Brexit vote created a new divide between Leavers and Remainers, and considers the significant impact of age and education on voting habits.
With an election due this year all political parties will be preparing their manifestos and presenting their vision of the future. The Professor of Politics at the London School of Economics, Jonathan White, focuses on the future as a political idea in The Long Run. While the democratic electoral cycle foregrounds short term policies, White argues it’s time for politicians to consider long-term solutions.
Producer: Katy Hickman