Who wins can be your decissicon.
A Students Guide To The General Election’10 Your gide to how the election works, the parties and their policies affecting students.
Students in some constituencies make up 1 in 10 of the electorate. With one of the closest elections looming your vote could be more important than you thought.
How Elections Work In a parliamentary political system, a general election is an election in which all or most members of a given political body are up for election. The term is usually used to refer to elections held for a nation’s primary legislative body, as distinguished from by-elections and local elections.
1. Constituencies
2. Representation
The country is divided into constituencies of roughly the same amount of people
The people living in that constituency then vote for the MP they wish to represent them in parliament.
Constituency
Forest of Dean
Elected
Mark Harper MP Conservative
with Majority of 2,049 or 4.3%
3. Parliament
5. Majority
The MP that gets the most votes then joins the House of Commons with the other 649 representatives
The party with over 50% of seats in the House of Commons will then become the ruling party and their leader will be invited by the queen to become the Prime Minister.
6. Prime Minister So it is the number of elected MP’s or ‘Seats’ that determines the victor, not the overall number of votes and therefore in this example David Cameron would become the Prime Minister
4. A Hung Parliament With the surge in support of the Liberal Democrats this could well be the closest election in nearly a century. However, this means that if one party doesn’t gain a 50% majority (326 Seats) they will not have total control of the Commons. If this is the case two or more parties must join together to form a big enough party in a coalition.
326 Seats (Majority)
Conservatives Coalition Labour Coalition
Conservatives
LD’s
Labour
In the example above, even with the Lib Dem’s and a couple of other parties wouldn’t quite make the majority, the Conservatives do quite easily. However, it is wether these parties can continue to work together as to if this will be successful.
s
s
What Happened Last Time By looking at the results of the 2005 election it is possible to see the state of Britain today, and the jumping off point for each party and constituency when the ballot begins.
How the British Isles look today The 2005 election left the constituency map looking a little the one below.
No of Seats held by each party
355 168
62
30
Overall Voter Turnout (%)
61.63%
You have to take into account the amount of seats compared to the total area of colour for each party. As Labour is generally more popular in the densely populated city areas, their constituencies are much geographically smaller and thus the conservatives appear to be much more popular. However, below is a chart showing the comparative number of seats. Therefore,
Tony Blair
remained PM before standing down and giving the post to Gordon Brown.
3554
The Swingometer
Candidates ran in total
7%
0%
Showing the percentage of the population that would have to change their support from Labour towards the Conservatives in order for David Cameron to form a majority leadership in government.
58.8
%
Of the seats are deemed safe (i.e. should not change hands)
15 Candidates ran in Sedgefield
89.59
%
of the vote went to the top three parties
12 3-way marginal seats All of the ‘safe’ seats
Where the top three parties stand a realistic chance of winning
1
vote for a Vote for Yourself candidate in North Cardiff
The State of Britain Today
Regional sizes of the British economy
Depending on where you look, there are many different opinions on what state Britain is in today and since the Labour party took over in 1997. Despite the economic downturn starting in 2008, many aspects of British life have improved dramatically, here we are going to weigh up how we have been getting on and where we stand now.
Britain’s GDP relative to other G8 Nations
USA
Japan
This map shows the comparative size of each regions economy clearly indicating the south east of Britain as the richest, with London being the clear epicentre of the British economy.
Germany
As you can see above, Britain’s GDP is considerably smaller than those of the modern super powers, however, this is to be expected when you consider that the state of California’s economy is the eight largest in the world. You can take further solace in the fact that it’s considerably larger that Greece’s, especially considering the financial state they’re in today.
France
Great Britain
Greece
All Graphs from May 1997 to April 2010 6
Inflation
4 RPI 2 CPI 0
-2
60m
40m
20m
A comparison shown roughly how various prices of goods and services have fared since 1997. The CPI (Consumer Price Index) is a measurement of various commercial good and service prices and the RPI or Retail Price Index includes mortgages, council tax and other housing costs
Web Users & Population A comparison showing the dramatic increase in web users against the total population. Clearly indicating a massive shift of those accessible to the Internet.
Gross Domestic Product The GDP is a measure of a country’s overall economic output. It is the market value of all final goods and services made within the borders of a country in a year. It is often positively correlated with the standard of living 8m
6m
4m
Unemployment Another useful indicator of the standard of living. Clearly shown is the persistent drop throughout labours premiership, however thanks to the economic crisis it has began to kick up again.
The Labour Party The Labour Party is a centre-left political party in the United Kingdom, and is regarded as the principal party of the Left in England, Scotland and Wales since 1920. The Labour Party won the 1997 general election under the leadership of Tony Blair with a majority of 179 in the House of Commons, reduced to 167 in 2001, to 66 in 2005 and in 2010 the party lost its majority becoming the second largest party in the House of Commons. Labour is currently the leading partner in the Coalition Welsh Government and the main opposition party in the Scottish Parliament. It has 13 members in the European Parliament. The Labour Party is a member of the Party of European Socialists and the Socialist International. The party’s current leader is Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Currently Held Seats Labours socialist roots lead their main support to centre around industrial centres and less well off areas such as the North and South Wales. Support for Labour has been diminishing since 1997 however with a reasonably large loss of seats in 2005 and this is expected to continue into the upcoming election.
Key Policies Continue ID card scheme Replace trident like for like Right to choose GP All guaranteed education or training until 18 40% low carbon electricity by 2020 Immigration points system Failing police forces get taken over by successful ones
How the Labour fared in ‘05 Overall Seats
After the phenomenal success of the 1997 campaign carried over to the 2001 election the Labour Parties support has started diminishing at a some rate. Loosing a large slice of their majority in 2005 followed the retirement of Tony Blair and unelected rise to the premiership by Gordon Brown and then the world economic meltdown, Labour will be clinging to the leadership of the nation and possibly the official opposition.
Portion of Vote
The total number of Labour seats Compared to their unproportional share of the overall (or Popular) vote
Other Seats Held Total Seats The House of Lords
European Parliament London Assembly
Local Government
724 73 25 21,871
Led By
Gordon Brown
Growing up in his native Scotland Gordon Brown was placed on a fast track education program that eventually lead to his acceptance of a University place at the age of just 16. He lectured for a while after receiving a PhD in History before becoming an MP in 1983, he rose to various positions in the shadow cabinet before being appointed Shadow Chancellor in 1992. He built a strong relationship with Tony Blair, holding the position of Chancellor when Labour took power in 1997. He remained in this role until Blair stepped down allowing Brown to become Prime Minister totally uncontested within the party.
Experience in Politics
A small graph to explore how long David Cameron has been an elected participant in politics and the positions held. Prime Minister
Profile The Right Honourable Gordon Brown MP
Chancellor
Prime Minister of the U.K.
MP
Political Compass
20
10
05 20
00 20
95 19
90 19
19
85
since 27th June 2007
Fascism
Authoritarian
Born
20th February 1951 (59) Giffnock, Renfrewshire, Scotland
Religion
Church of Scotland
University
For the Labour
University of Edinburgh
Other Positions
Communism
Neo-Libertarian
Left
Right
Member of Parliament for Kirkcaldy & Cowdenbeath (Incumbent)
Chancellor of the Exchequer 1997 - 2007 Libertarian
Anarchism
Shadow Chancellor 1992 - 1997
The Conservative Party The Conservative and Unionist Party (more commonly known as the Conservative Party) is a political party in the United Kingdom. Founded in its present form during the early 19th century, it has since been the principal centre-right party in the UK. The Conservative Party was in government for two-thirds of the 20th century. The current party leader is David Cameron, who acts as the leader of the opposition and heads the shadow cabinet. As of 2009, it has more councillors in local government, British members of the European Parliament and members of the London Assembly than any other party.
Currently Held Seats The conservative support is strongest in rural and more well off areas of the country such as the Home Counties. With not a single seat in Scotland and only a couple in wales suggests the other home nations feel neglected by the Tories, especially after the Thatcherite backlash in the 1980’s.
Key Policies Patients can rate doctors and hospitals No appeal’s on school exclusions More protection from EU encroachment Double Afghanistan troops bonus Expanding offshore wind and marine power Annual ‘Cap’ on inflation
How the Conservatives fared in ‘05 Overall Seats
In 2005 the Conservatives made great headway compared to the 2001 election. Through Michael Howard’s stepping down, a fresh new face began to charm the electorate back to the Torie’s. Also playing on the unpopularity of the Iraqi war and other outside factors David Cameron continued to garner support. However, with the emergence of the Lib Dem’s as a possible alternative to the Blue or Red how will this surge of support continue? The total number of Conservative seats Compared to their share of the overall (or Popular) vote
Other Seats Held Total Seats The House of Lords
European Parliament London Assembly
Local Government
724 73 25 21,871
Led By
David Cameron An ‘Old Etonian’ who upon leaving Cambridge University worked his way up through the party ranks over many years, David Cameron assisted previous leaders in various positions until he eventually stood successfully in the 2001 election for Whitby. He spent this time increasing his public profile until he was selected to join the shadow cabinet in 2003 where he held several positions before contesting in, and winning, the 2005 leadership race once Michael Howard stepped down after an unsuccessful general election.
Experience in Politics
A small graph to explore how long David Cameron has been an elected participant in politics and the positions held. Party Leader
Shadow Cabinet
Profile The Right Honourable David Cameron MP Leader of the Opposition
MP
Political Compass
20
10
05 20
00 20
95 19
90 19
19
85
since 6th December 2005
Fascism
Authoritarian
Born
9th October 1966 (43) London, England, UK
Religion
Church of England
University
For the Conservatives
Brasenose College, Oxford
Other Positions
Communism
Neo-Libertarian
Left
Right
Member of Parliament for Whitney (Incumbent)
Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Skills 2006-7 Libertarian
Anarchism
The Liberal Democrats The Liberal Democrats, often shortened to Lib Dems, are a centrist to centre-left social liberal political party in the United Kingdom. The party was formed in 1988 by a merger of the Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party. The party’s leader is Nick Clegg. The Lib Dems are the thirdlargest party in the House of Commons, behind the Labour Party and the Conservative Party. There are 63 Lib Dem Members of Parliament—62 were elected at the 2005 general election and one in a 2006 by-election. The Scottish Liberal Democrats formed a coalition with Labour in the first two sessions of the Scottish Parliament, and the Welsh Liberal Democrats were in a coalition with Labour in the National Assembly for Wales from 2001 to 2003.
Currently Held Seats The Lib Dem’s have a stronghold scattered across the South West, Wales and Scotland. Often the least densely populated areas of the country, the constituencies can be large in size and thus deceitful of the amount of support they receive on geographical maps such as the one to the left.
Key Policies Scrap ID cards Find alternative to like-for-like Trident Right to choose GP Raise income tax threshold to £10,000 40% renewable electricity by 2020 Cut rail fares
How the Lib Dems fared in ‘05 Overall Seats
The Liberal Democrats hoped to make gains from both main parties, but especially the Conservative Party, with a “decapitation” strategy targeting members of the Shadow Cabinet. The Lib Dems had also wished to become the governing party, but more realistically hoped of making enough gains to become the Official Opposition and/or play a major part in a parliament led by a minority Labour or Conservative government.
Portion of Vote
The total number of Lib Dem seats Compared to their share of the overall (or Popular) vote
Other Seats Held Total Seats The House of Lords
European Parliament London Assembly
Local Government
724 73 25 21,871
Led By
Nick Clegg Upon completing his Archaeology and Anthropology course at Cambridge, Nick Clegg went on to do two MA courses in Minnesota and Bruges. From here, he took up a post in the EU commission before being recruited as Vice-Presidents policy advisor and speechwriter in 1993. Then in 1999, he was selected as the, successful, Lib Dem candidate for the EU, a position he held until 2002 where he stepped down to focus on European politics within Great Britain. He was elected to parliament in 2005 and was made the Lib Dem spokesperson for Europe before be promoted to Home Affairs spokesman upon Sir Menzies Campell’s stint as party leader. When he stepped down Clegg joined the leadership race successfully in late 2007.
Experience in Politics
Profile
A small graph to explore how long Nick Clegg has been an elected participant in politics and the positions held.
Party Leader MP
Political Compass
20
10
05 20
00 20
95 19
90 19
19
85
Member of European Parliament
Fascism
Authoritarian
For the Lib Dems Communism
Neo-Libertarian
Left
Right
The Right Honourable Nick Clegg MP Leader of the Liberal Democrats Since 18th December 2007 Born
7th January 1967 (43) Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire
Religion
None
University
Robinson College, Cambridge University of Minesota College D’Europe
Other Positions
Member of Parliament for Sheffield Hallam (Incumbent) Libertarian
Anarchism
Lib Dem Home Affairs Spokesman 2006-7
Member of the European Parliament for East Midlands 1999-2004
Higher Education Policies A breakdown of all three parties’ policies with regards to higher education and learning, issues that directly affect all students
Tuition Fee’s Probably one of the most important issues close to the students heart, the cost of the education. While the Lib Dem’s are sticking to their policy of scrapping them all together, they have had to take into account the financial crisis and scale back the plans to do so until 2012. In the mean time they would reduce them to a ‘reasonable’ amount and scrap them for third year students. The Conservatives and Labour however are waiting for the result of the Browne Report, an independent inquiry into the costing of University fees. The result of this could be several different paths, increasing the fee’s slightly, greatly or even removing the cap that keeps all fees at the same rate. This would mean each university could set their own price leading to an elitist system in which only the rich would be able to afford the best education.
The outcome of the Browne report could uncap the restrictions on fees meaning they could rise to anywhere in this area £3000
£2500
£2000
£1500
£1000
Labour Policies Traffic light grading system for the quality of courses For a simpler grading system making comparison easier. This will be supplemented with mentoring and support with UCAS applicants especially for those on low incomes.
Conservative Policies
-10% Fees
on early payback
ÂŁ55
Aiming for 75% of people under 30 to have passed through some form of Higher or further education p.w. for apprentices
Raising the wage for apprentices to a reasonable level
400,000
New work pairing, apprenticeship, college To encourage early payback to save money and training places and reinvest back into more places.
University get more power over examinations Lib Dem Policies
50% Scrap
target for university attendance by young people
In favour of a more balanced approach across all forms of further education.
Amounts of extra Higher and Further education places
20,000 Maths & Science HE
10,000 Higher Education
15,000 Foundation
While labour are pledging the most places, they are restricted to maths and the sciences, meaning that the arts and humanities may suffer. The Lib Dem’s have pledged 15,000 new places however only on foundation courses, rather than new places their focus is on reducing the cost. Finally the Conservatives are pledging an extra 10,000 places, these however are unspecified although also unrestricted as to which courses.
Other Key Policies There are a selection of other policies that are only covered by maybe one or two of the main parties but may prove to be a decision maker for an individual.
£6.00 1m 15,000 Labours want to raise the minimum wage new skilled jobs benefiting the lowest paid in Britain, most likely including a large portion of students.
+3000
Policemen on the beat £10,000 The Lib Dem’s want to raise it to £10,000
£8,000
£6,000 Current starting level for income tax
£4,000
£2,000
16
Voting age down to
more prison places by 2014
Greater Protection for those defending their home from intruders
The Starting level for income tax
£1,000,000
The Lib Dems want to raise this from £6,000 to £10,000. Following their theme of fairness this would give those on a lower income a tax break, most likely including a few hard working students.
The Conservatives want to raise the inheritance tax threshold to 1m meaning through all of the public spending cuts the wealthy still get a little breather.
2:2
Degree needed for state funded teacher training as well as a B in GCSE English
DNA ID Cards Both the Lib Dems and Tories would destroy the DNA of non-convicted suspects
Again, both the Lib Dem’s and Tories want to scrap the proposed ID cards. However Labour believes that too much has been invested into the scheme already.
The size of the House of Commons
Three different proposals by each party concerning the number of MP’s that would be representing Great Britain. The benefits to reducing the number revolve around the expense of each MP as highlighted by the Expenses Scandal, however, this would also mean that the MP’s have more ground to cover and the people have less voices to represent them in parliament.
High Speed Rail
Heathrow’s Third Runway The Tories and Lib Dems are both planning to halt the construction of a third runway at Heathrow airport. Both for economic and environmental reasons
Both Labour and the Conservatives have pledged to invest in a high speed rail service linking the North and South of Britain via London, Heathrow, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester
Glossary of Terms If there was anything you didn’t fully understand, have a look for it here.
Constituency A body of constituents or voters - i.e. an administrative area or district. Each constituency is represented by a Member of Parliament. There are currently 646 constituencies in the UK. Constituent
Literally means ‘a part of a whole’. In politics this refers to the individual voters who make up a Constituency.
D
B Borough An administrative division of a city or large area. i.e. Hounslow is a Borough of Greater London.
C
Cabinet see also
Shadow Cabinet: A body comprising Members of Government selected by the Prime Minister to run Government departments.
Class Where a
person ‘stands in society’. Common class references are: working class, middle class and upper class.
Democracy A political system where the Governing body of a country (Government) is chosen by the people (voters). This logically infers therefore that ultimate power lies with the voters. Devolution The
process whereby power is ‘handed over’ to member states of a larger union. Wales and Scotland have undergone devolution, meaning greater power over the running of their individual states has been restored to their respective Governments from Westminster.
E
Election An event
where constituents vote to elect a party to remain in or take control of an administrative district (local election) or a nation (general)
G General Election Also
see Election. The rule is that a General Election will happen a maximum of five years from the last. This will happen unless it is called earlier by a ruling party.
Government
A body that rules a nation.
H
House of Commons An
upper house that meets in the Palace of Westminster. Comprised of ‘commoners’ i.e. Members of Parliament who do not hold a peerage.
House of Lords An upper house that meets in the Palace of Westminster. Comprised of Peers (Barons, Marquesses, Earls etc).
I
Income Tax A form of government taxation deducted from an individual’s income. The amount of tax deduction made is based on the salary of the individual. Inheritance Tax A form of
government taxation deducted from an amount of inheritance. The amount of tax
deduction made is based on the amount of inheritance.
L
Left The political
left is said to be represented by political theories such as communism. Opposite to the political right. The Communist Party is considered to be ‘far left’. Can also be described by ‘left leaning’ or a slang term ‘lefty’.
Lisbon Treaty
The Treaty of Lisbon: The Lisbon Treaty is essentially an amendment of the current European Union (EU) and European Commission (EC) treaties
Local Election
See Election. Specific to a local region, usually a borough. Each area will have it’s own election timetable.
Lord a Peer with a title, such as Baron, Earl, Marquess or Viscount.
M
a constituency to represent them in the House of Commons.
Minority A small section of a larger community or group. i.e. if 80% of a group of people work and 20% of the group don’t work, those who don’t work can be said to be in the minority.
N
Nationalism An
ideology where great importance is placed on a country of origin or residence. A Patriot can be said to be a nationalist.
P
Peer A Peer is
someone who has been ‘ennobled’ or ‘been made noble’ by the sovereign by being given a title. A Peer will have one of the following ranks or titles: Baron, Duke, Earl, Marquess and Viscount. Someone who is a Peer is said to hold a Peerage.
Politics The study of governance.
Majority A large section of a larger community or group. i.e. if 80% of a group of people work and 20% of the group don’t work, those who work can be said to be in the majority.
A card sent to each constituent prior to an election to notify them of an election date and the location of their local Polling Station (see below).
A person elected by a majority of
A building that generally has an alternative purpose
Member of Parliament
Polling Card
Polling station
(such as a church hall or scout hut) that is used for the collection of votes from constituents. The location of the polling station that a voter will use will be shown on their Polling Card. The Polling Station will depend on the constituency in which the voter lives.
Postal vote If a voter may not be in a position to travel to their local Polling Station (see above), a voter may register to make their vote by post.
Q
Qango or Quango A ‘quasi-
governmental’ group. A group or organisation that is funded by the government but works independently. A qango is a group to whom government has devolved power.
R
Ratify ‘To approve’.
For example, if a new piece of legislation or a treaty is ratified, this means it is accepted or approved by either the people or a government.
Referendum
An election where constituents vote to accept or decline a proposal made by a governing body. i.e. Northern Ireland recently approved the proposal to accept the Lisbon Treaty
Republic A form
of state with a single politically elected ruler rather than an hereditary ruler such as the Queen of England. i.e. The United States of America is a Republic.
Right The political
right is represented by ideologies such as Conservatism and Nationalism. Opposite to the political left. The Nazi party was considered to be ‘far right’.
S
Shadow Cabinet A body
comprising senior members of an ‘opposition party’ selected by the leader of that party. The members are placed in positions similar to those of the ruling party. Hence the Shadow Cabinet is said to ‘shadow’ the cabinet positions of the ruling party.
Socialism A
political theory that states that all production (industry, agriculture etc.) should be solely owned and operated by a government.
Sovereign
Someone who has inherited the right to rule over a kingdom or nation. The Queen is the Sovereign of The United Kingdom.
Speaker A Member of Parliament who is elected to the position
by fellow MPs. The speaker is either elected at a General Election, or upon the death or resignation of the previous Speaker. The Speaker presides over proceedings in the House of Commons, to keep ‘order in the house’. The Speaker should not take the side of any party while in the position.
State “A politically organised body of people under a single government.” i.e. England is a state.
V
Vote Each constituent in a democratic country has a vote. This enables constituents to voice their opinion on either who rules either their immediate borough or country, or on certain issues in referenda.
W
Westminster An
area of central London that is associated with the home of the English political system. It is home to the Palace of Westminster.
How To Register To be able to cast your vote, you must sign on to the electoral register by 28th April. You can do this one of two ways, either fill out the short form on
www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
or send off for a physical form to fill out from,
Electoral Register, Fortnum Street, Epson, London, SW13 3SY
6th May
You Decide x