Political Parties - Origins and Current Flashcards
(18 cards)
Conservative Party
Origin: Dates back to the 1830s; modern party shaped by Thatcherism (1980s) and post-war consensus before that.
Key Development Since 1997: Modernised under David Cameron (2005–2016); embraced Brexit under Boris Johnson.
who is the current leader of the conservatives?
Kemi Badenoch (shifting to the right)
Labour Party
Origin: Founded in 1900 as a political voice for the working class and trade unions.
Key Development Since 1997: Blair’s “New Labour” (1997–2007); Corbyn’s left shift (2015–2020); Starmer returned to centre.
who is the current leader of the labour party?
Recent Leader (2025): Keir Starmer (centre-left – social democracy, democratic socialism)
Liberal Democrat’s
Origin: Formed in 1988 from a merger of the Liberal Party and the SDP.
Key Development Since 1997: Coalition with Conservatives (2010–2015) under Nick Clegg hurt popularity.
Who is the current leader of the LibDems?
Ed Davey (centre – liberalism, pro-EU, civil liberties)
Green Party of England and Wales
Origin: Founded in 1990, but origins in the PEOPLE Party (1973).
Key Development Since 1997: Growing popularity due to climate change; strong local council base.
Who are the current leaders of the Green Party?
Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay (co-leaders) - Left-wing – environmentalism, social justice, anti-austerity.
Maybe a leadership change in the upcoming election.
Reform UK
Origin: Founded in 2018 as the Brexit Party by Nigel Farage; rebranded in 2021.
Key Development Since 1997: Gained attention during 2019 European elections; now opposes “big state” policies.
Who is the current leader of reform uk?
Nigel Farage – populism, anti-immigration, low taxes.
Scottish National Party (SNP)
Origin: Formed in 1934 from a merger of nationalist parties.
Key Development Since 1997: Dominant in Scotland since 2007; led 2014 independence referendum.
Who is the current leader of the SNP?
John Swinney - centre-left – Scottish independence, social democracy.
Plaid Cymru (Party of Wales)
Origin: Founded in 1925 to promote Welsh language and independence.
Key Development Since 1997: Influence in devolved Welsh politics; supports independence.
Who is the current leader of Plaid Cymru?
Rhun ap Iorwerth (Centre-left – Welsh nationalism, social democracy)
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)
Origin: Founded in 1971 by Ian Paisley to oppose Irish nationalism.
Key Development Since 1997: Supported Conservative minority government (2017–2019).
Who is the leader of the DUP?
Recent Leader (2025): Gavin Robinson (right-wing – unionism, social conservatism)
Sinn Féin
Origin: Founded in 1905; associated with Irish republicanism and former IRA links.
Key Development Since 1997: Increasing electoral strength in Northern Ireland; all-Ireland agenda.
Who is the leader of sinn fien?
Michelle O’Neill (Vice President; NI focus) - left-wing – Irish nationalism, anti-austerity.
