The Established Parties (Edexcel A Level Politics): Revision Note

Introduction

• The UK’s three main statewide parties — the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats — each developed from different historical roots and ideological traditions

• These origins continue to shape their ideas and modern policies on key areas: the economy, law and order, welfare and foreign affairs

Broad summary of their positions

• Each party’s current policies reflect the ideological traditions that shaped their historical development

The Conservative Party

Origins and historical development

• Origins in the 18th–19th centuries as a party focused on stability, tradition and national security

• Emphasised evolution, not revolution

• Historically balanced two broad ideological strands:

  • One-Nation Conservatism

  • The New Right

Key ideological traditions

Current factions

• One Nation Caucus – centrist MPs, often in Lib Dem-competitive seats

• European Research Group (ERG) – hardline on Brexit and immigration

• New Conservatives / Northern Research Group – ex-Red Wall MPs prioritising immigration control and “levelling up”

• Conservative Growth Group – supporters of Liz Truss’s 2022 tax-cutting agenda

2024 Conservative policies

• The Conservatives campaigned on these policies in 2024 and lost the election to The Labour Party

The Labour Party

Origins and historical development

• Founded in the early 20th century by trade unions and socialist groups

• Aimed to represent the working class and promote social justice

• Historically split between:

  • Old Labour (social democracy)

  • New Labour (Third Way)

Key ideological traditions

Current factions

• Whilst factions evolve and change frequently, some notable ones currently are:

  • Socialist Campaign Group (SCG): prioritises nationalisation, expansive welfare, and anti-austerity. Prominent figures historically include Richard Burgon and Rebecca Long-Bailey

  • Labour First prioritises the ‘moderate’ voice of the party, focusing on trade union links, strong local government and national security

  • Labour Group – prioritises economic growth, backing the ability to build infrastructure over those blocking it

2024 Labour policies

• The Labour party campaigned on these policies in 2024 and won the election

The Liberal Democrat Party

Origins and historical development

• Long heritage from the 19th-century Liberal Party

• The modern party formed in 1988 after the SDP–Liberal merger

• Traditionally emphasise individual liberty and constitutional reform

Key ideological traditions

• Historically, Liberal Democrats have had two main factions – Classic (Orange Book) Liberals and Modern Liberals

Current context

• In the 2024 election, they returned 72 MPs to Parliament, leading to questions over whether other factions might now emerge

• One senior Liberal Democrat commented, “If there’s a tribe, it’s more likely to be a geographic one rather than an ideological one”

2024 Liberal Democrat policies