Voting Behaviour - Ethnic Minority

Question 1

Consistent Ethnic Minority Support for Labour

Answer 1

Ethnic minorities have consistently voted Labour in large numbers. In the 2017 general election, Labour won 73% of the ethnic minority vote, while the Conservatives secured just 19%. This continued into 2019 (Labour 64%) and 2024, with Labour maintaining strongholds in diverse areas such as Tottenham, Brent, and Hackney South. Race plays a long-term role in shaping party loyalty, especially among Black and South Asian voters.

Question 2

Race and Geography – Urban Labour Strongholds

Answer 2

Ethnically diverse urban areas tend to vote Labour. In London, where over 40% of the population is from ethnic minorities, Labour has dominated elections since 1997. In 2024, Labour swept nearly all London constituencies again, including Streatham and East Ham, both with high minority populations. This shows how racial demographics intersect with geography to reinforce Labour’s urban dominance.

Question 3

The Conservative Party’s Struggle with Ethnic Minority Voters

Answer 3

The Conservative Party has historically failed to make large inroads with ethnic minorities. In 2010, David Cameron’s attempts to modernise the party saw slight increases among British Indian voters, but this was not sustained. In 2019 and 2024, the Conservatives again polled poorly with Black voters and only marginally better with some South Asians. The issue of institutional racism (e.g. Windrush scandal) damaged trust among ethnic minority communities.

Question 4

Asians and the conservatives

Answer 4

One exception is that Asians are more likely to support the Conservatives than voters of African descent, because the former respond in particular to the party’s emphasis on small business values.
However, overall, ethnic minority voters have remained loyal to Labour. In 2010 they preferred Labour to the Conservatives by 60 to 16 per cent.

Question 5

Race and Turnout – Engagement Gaps Persist

Answer 5

Ethnic minority voters historically have lower turnout than White voters, though this gap is narrowing. In 2017, turnout among Black voters rose significantly, linked to Jeremy Corbyn’s popularity. In 2024, Labour’s stronger ground campaigning in diverse areas helped boost turnout in cities like Manchester and Birmingham, highlighting the role of engagement, not just identity.

Question 6

Turnout

Answer 6

Ethnicity is also a significant discriminator when it comes to turnout, with 67 per cent of white people voting in 2010, compared to only 51 per cent of ethnic minority groups.
While gender, age and ethnicity seem to be the current variables, the relative importance of different factors varies. For example, in the 2016 EU referendum, education was possibly the most important factor. Those without qualifications went 75 per cent for Brexit, while those with university degrees went 75 per cent against.