List of political parties in the United Kingdom explained

The Electoral Commission's Register of Political Parties[1] lists the details of political parties registered to contest elections in the United Kingdom, including their registered name. Under current electoral law, including the Registration of Political Parties Act 1998, the Electoral Administration Act 2006, and the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, only registered party names can be used on ballot papers by those wishing to fight elections. Candidates who do not belong to a registered party can use "independent" or no label at all., the Electoral Commission showed the number of registered political parties in Great Britain and Northern Ireland as 393.[2]

Before the middle of the 19th century, politics in the United Kingdom was dominated by the Whigs and the Tories. These were not political parties in the modern sense but somewhat loose alliances of interests and individuals. The Whigs included many of the leading aristocratic dynasties committed to the Protestant succession, and later drew support from elements of the emerging industrial interests and wealthy merchants, while the Tories were associated with the landed gentry, the Church of England and the Church of Scotland.

By the mid 19th century, the Tories had evolved into the Conservative Party, and the Whigs had evolved into the Liberal Party. The concept of right and left came originally from France, where the supporters of a monarchy (constitutional or absolute) sat on the right wing of the National Assembly, and republicans on the left. In the late 19th century, the Liberal Party began to lean towards the left. Liberal Unionists split off from the Liberals over Irish Home Rule and moved closer to the Conservatives over time.

The Liberals and Conservatives dominated the political scene until the 1920s, when the Liberal Party declined in popularity and suffered a long stream of resignations. It was replaced as the main anti-Tory opposition party by the newly emerging Labour Party, which represented an alliance between the labour movement, organised trades unions and various socialist societies.

Since then, the Conservative and Labour parties have dominated British politics, and have alternated in government ever since. However, the UK is not quite a two-party system as other parties have significant support. The Liberal Democrats were the third largest party until the 2015 general election when they were overtaken by the Scottish National Party in terms of seats and UK political party membership, and by the UK Independence Party (UKIP) in terms of votes.The UK's first-past-the-post electoral system leaves small parties disadvantaged on a UK-wide scale. It can, however, allow parties with concentrations of supporters in the constituent countries to flourish. In the 2015 election, there was widespread controversy[3] [4] [5] when the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and the Green Party of England and Wales received 4.9 million votes[6] (12.6% of the total vote for UKIP and 3.8% for the Greens) yet only gained one seat each in the House of Commons. After that election, UKIP, the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru, and the Green Party of England and Wales, together with its Scottish and Northern Ireland affiliated parties, delivered a petition signed by 477,000[7] people to Downing Street demanding electoral reform.

Since 1997, proportional representation-based voting systems have been adopted for elections to the Scottish Parliament, the Senedd (Welsh Parliament), the Northern Ireland Assembly, the London Assembly and (until Brexit in 2020) the UK's seats in the European Parliament. In these bodies, other parties have had success.

Traditionally political parties have been private organisations with no official recognition by the state. The Registration of Political Parties Act 1998 changed that by creating a register of parties.

Membership of political parties has been in decline in the UK since the 1950s, falling by over 65% from 1983 (4% of the electorate) to 2005 (1.3%).[8]

Parties with representation in the House of Commons

PartyFoundedPolitical
position
IdeologyLeaderdata-sort-type="number" House of
Commons
data-sort-type="number" House of
Lords
data-sort-type="number" Scottish Parliamentdata-sort-type="number" Welsh Parliamentdata-sort-type="number" Northern Ireland Assemblydata-sort-type="number" London
Assembly
data-sort-type="number" Local
government
[9]
Labour Partyalign=center 1900
Centre-leftKeir Starmer
Conservative and Unionist Partyalign=center 1834


Rishi Sunak
Liberal Democratsalign=center 1988Centre to
centre-left

Ed Davey
Scottish National Party (SNP)align=center 1934Centre-left

John Swinney
Sinn Féinalign=center 1905Centre-left
to left-wing
Reform UKalign=center 2019Right-wing
Nigel Farage
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)align=center 1971Right-wingGavin Robinson
Green Party of England and Walesalign=center 1990Left-wing
Carla Denyer,
Adrian Ramsay
[10]
Plaid Cymrualign=center 1925Centre-left
to left-wing
Rhun ap Iorwerth
Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP)align=center 1970Centre-left
Alliance Party of Northern Irelandalign=center 1970Centre to
centre-left

Naomi Long
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP)align=center 1905Centre-right
Doug Beattie
Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV)align=center 2007Right-wing


Jim Allister

Parties without representation in the House of Commons, but with representation in other UK legislatures

There are a political parties in the United Kingdom that do not have representation in the House of Commons, but have elected representatives in the Northern Ireland Assembly and Scottish Parliament. These are:

PartyDate foundedPolitical positionIdeologyCurrent leaderdata-sort-type="number" House of
Lords
data-sort-type="number" Scottish Parliamentdata-sort-type="number" Northern Ireland Assemblydata-sort-type="number" Local
government
[11]
1990Centre-left
to left-wing


Patrick Harvie,
Lorna Slater
[12]
Alba Party2021Alex Salmond
2005Left-wing to far-left


Eamonn McCann

Party descriptions

PartyDescription
Labour PartyA social democratic party that has its roots in the trade union movement. The party has several internal factions, which include: Progressive Britain, which promotes a continuation of New Labour policies and is considered to be on the right of the party; the soft-left Open Labour; Momentum, which represents the party's left-wing, democratic socialist grouping; and Blue Labour, which promotes socially and culturally conservative values while remaining committed to labour rights and left-wing economics. Labour also has candidates who stand on a split-ticket with the Co-operative Party.
Co-operative PartyA party that promotes cooperative principles and values, providing political representation for the British co-operative movement. Since 1927, the party has been in an electoral alliance with the Labour Party, standing joint candidates under the Labour and Co-operative label.
Conservative and Unionist PartyA politically conservative party loosely divided into three categories: the One Nation Conservatives, the Thatcherites, who strongly support a free market with restrained government spending and tend to be Eurosceptic; and the Cornerstone Group.
Liberal DemocratsA liberal party; its main branches are social liberals based around the Social Liberal Forum, and the more centrist Liberal Reform grouping, which places more of an emphasis on economic liberalism. There is also a social democratic faction and influence within the party.
Scottish National Party (SNP)Scottish nationalist and social democratic party which supports Scottish independence and membership of the European Union or further devolution for Scotland.
Sinn FéinIrish republican party dedicated to the reunification of Ireland and the creation of a new republic based on democratic socialist values. It holds a policy of abstentionism for the House of Commons, with its MPs not taking their seats in this legislature.
Reform UKRight-wing populist and Eurosceptic party, led by former UK Independence Party (UKIP) leader MEP and current MP for Clacton, Nigel Farage.
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)Strongly British unionist party in Northern Ireland which promotes social and national conservatism.
Green Party of England and WalesGreen party that combines environmentalism and sustainability with left-leaning economic policies, while taking a progressive approach socially. The party also has eco-socialist and anti-capitalist factions, such as the Green Left grouping.
Plaid CymruDemocratic socialist, social democratic, and Welsh nationalist party in favour of Welsh independence or further devolution for Wales.
(SDLP)Irish nationalist and social-democratic party supporting a united Ireland.
Alliance Party of Northern Ireland (APNI)Liberal, nonsectarian and pro-European political party in Northern Ireland.
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP)Conservative and Unionist party in Northern Ireland, taking a somewhat "softer" stance on social issues than the DUP. The party was formerly tied to the Conservative Party in Great Britain.
Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV)Strongly social and national conservative unionist party in Northern Ireland. It has formed an alliance with Reform UK.
Scottish GreensGreen party in favour of Scottish independence and Scottish republicanism.
Alba PartyFormed as a breakaway party from the SNP, the party promotes Scottish independence, Scottish nationalism and Scottish republicanism while taking a more socially conservative stance than the SNP.
People Before Profit (PBP)Socialist and Trotskyist party that is active in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Elected representatives at principal level of local government in the United Kingdom

See main article: Local government in the United Kingdom.

Great Britain-wide or UK-wide parties

PartyFoundedPolitical positionIdeologyLeaderLocal authoritiesdata-sort-type="number" Councillors[13]
Liberal Party1989CentreLiberalism (British), EuroscepticismSteve RadfordLiverpool, North Yorkshire, Test Valley5
Workers Party of Britain2019Left-wing to far-leftSocialism, social conservatism, EuroscepticismGeorge GallowayBurnley, Calderdale, Longsight, Rochdale5
Social Democratic Party (SDP)1990Social democracy, social conservatism, communitarianism, EuroscepticismWilliam CloustonLeeds City Council3
Climate Party2022Centre-rightGreen conservatismEdmund GemmellBuckinghamshire Council1
National Flood Prevention Party2011Single-issueEwan LarcombeWindsor and Maidenhead Borough Council1
Party of Women2024Single-issueGender-critical feminism, anti-transgenderKellie-Jay Keen-MinshullCheshire West and Chester Council1
Social Justice2023Left-wingEnvironmentalism, democratic socialismSimon ChesterNorth Yorkshire Council1
Women's Equality Party2015FeminismMandu ReidBasingstoke and Deane Borough Council1

Parties that only stand in a nation of the UK (i.e. England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales) or a region

PartyFoundedNation or regionPolitical positionIdeologyLeaderLocal authoritiesdata-sort-type="number" Councillors[14]
Green Party Northern Ireland1981Northern Ireland (nation)Centre-leftMal O'HaraArds and North Down, Belfast5[15]
Mebyon Kernow1951Cornwall (region)Centre-leftCornish nationalism, civic nationalism, regionalism,
social democracy, environmentalism
Dick ColeCornwall[16] 5
Yorkshire Party2014Yorkshire (region)Centre to centre-left, social democracyBob BuxtonEast Riding, Selby, North Yorkshire3
North East Party2014North East England (region)Centre to centre-leftRegionalism, progressivismMark BurdonDurham2[17]
British Unionist Party2015Scotland (nation)SyncreticBritish unionism, Scottish unionism, Social conservatism, Social democracy, British nationalismJohn FergusonNorth Lanarkshire Council1
Gwlad2018Wales (nation)Centre-rightWelsh nationalism, Welsh independenceGwyn Wigley EvansCeredigion County Council1
Progressive Unionist Party (PUP)1979Northern Ireland (nation)Centre-leftBritish unionism, democratic socialism, social democracyRussell WattonCauseway Coast and Glens1
Propel2020Wales (nation)Welsh nationalism, Welsh independence, localism, sovereignism, anti-nuclearismNeil McEvoyCardiff, Gwynedd, Neath Port Talbot1

Local parties

PartyLeaderLocal authoritiesdata-sort-type="number" Councillors[18]
Ashfield IndependentsJason ZadroznyAshfield, Nottinghamshire42
Havering Residents AssociationHavering London Borough Council25
AspireKalam Mahmud Abu Taher ChoudhuryTower Hamlets Council24
The People's Independent PartyWarren GibsonCastle Point24
Residents for UttlesfordPetrina LeesUttlesford, Essex County Council24
Boston IndependentsAnne DorrianBoston Borough Council18
South Holland IndependentsRobert GibsonSouth Holland District, Lincolnshire County Council18
Canvey Island Independent PartyDavid BlackwellCastle Point, Essex17
Farnham ResidentsNo leaderSurrey County Council, Waverley16
Loughton Residents AssociationEpping Forest District, Essex County Council14
Marianne OvertonLincolnshire County Council, North Kesteven District Council, West Lindsey District Council13
Swale IndependentsMike BaldockKent County Council, Swale Borough Council12
Ashford IndependentsNoel OvendenAshford Borough Council10
Community Campaign (Hart)James RadleyHart District Council10
West Suffolk IndependentsVictor LukaniukSuffolk County Council10
South Devon AllianceTeignbridge9
Tunbridge Wells AllianceNicholas Pope[19] Tunbridge Wells9
Basingstoke & Deane IndependentsIan TilburyBasingstoke and Deane8
Christchurch IndependentsBCP Council8
Rochford District ResidentsNo LeaderRochford District, Essex County Council8
Radcliffe FirstMetropolitan Borough of Bury9
Ashtead IndependentsChris HuntMole Valley, Surrey7
Peterborough FirstPeterborough City Council7
Residents for Guildford and VillagesJonathan Bigmore[20] Guildford, Surrey7[21]
Rother Association of Independent CouncillorsRother District Council7
Stafford Borough IndependentsBorough of Stafford7
Whitehill & Bordon Community PartyAndy Tree[22] East Hampshire District Council, Hampshire County Council7
Horwich and Blackrod FirstDavid GrantHorwich Town Council, Bolton Council6
Morley Borough IndependentsRobert FinniganLeeds City Council6
Reform DerbyAlan GravesDerby City Council6
The Borough FirstSuzanne CrossWindsor and Maidenhead Borough Council6
Derwentside IndependentsWatts StellingDurham County Council5
Local AllianceChichester City Council, West Sussex County Council5
Oxted & Limpsfield Residents GroupTandridge District5
Poole People PartyMark HowellBCP5
Residents of WilmslowNo LeaderCheshire East Council5
Skegness Urban District SocietyEast Lindsey5
St. Neots Independent GroupCambridgeshire County Council, Huntingdonshire County Council5
Alliance for Local LivingFelicity RiceDorset Council, BCP4
Henley Residents GroupNo leaderSouth Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire4
Independent NetworkCity of Chelmsford, Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council4
Llantwit First IndependentsVale of Glamorgan Council4
Mansfield IndependentsMartin WrightMansfield, Nottinghamshire4
Molesey Residents' AssociationStuart SelleckSurrey County Council, Elmbridge Borough Council4
Nork Residents' AssociationNo leaderReigate and Banstead, Surrey4
Our West LancashireAdrian OwensWest Lancashire Borough Council4
The Party PartyDurham County Council4
Portsmouth Independent PartyPortsmouth City Council4
Residents Associations of Epsom and EwellKeith LugtonEpsom and Ewell, Surrey4
Runnymede Independent Residents' GroupIsabel MullensRunnymede4
Stoneliegh and Auriol Residents' AssociationEpsom and Ewell Borough Council4
Thames Ditton & Weston Green Residents' AssociationGraham Cooke[23] Elmbridge Borough Council4
Thornaby Independent AssociationNo LeaderStockton-on-Tees Borough Council4
Uplands PartyPeter MaySwansea Council4
Chislehurst MattersBromley Borough Council3
Edgeley Community AssociationStockport Metropolitan Borough Council3
Esher Residents AssociationNo leaderElmbridge Borough Council3
Failsworth Independent PartyOldham Council3
Guildford Greenbelt GroupSusan ParkerGuildford3[24]
Garforth and Swillington Independents PartyLeeds City Council3
Harold Wood Hill Park Residents AssociationsHavering London Borough Council3
Ingleby Barwick Independent SocietyKenneth DixonStockton-on-Tees Borough Council3
Liverpool Community IndependentsAlan GibbonsLiverpool City Council3
Malvern Hills IndependentsMalvern Hills District3
Morecambe Bay IndependentsRoger DennisonLancaster3
Newcastle IndependentsJason SmithNewcastle City Council3[25]
Newport Independents PartyKevin WhiteheadNewport, South Wales3
Nottingham IndependentsFrancesco LariNottingham City Council, Gedling Borough Council, Nottinghamshire3
Portishead IndependentsNorth Somerset Council3
Progress and Reform PartyTandridge District3
Residents' Association of CuddingtonEpsom and Ewell Borough Council3
Tattenhams & Preston ResidentsNo leaderReigate and Banstead, Surrey3
Thanet IndependentsThanet District3
Werrington FirstPeterborough City Council3
Whitnash Residents AssociationWarwick District3
Belper IndependentsAmber Valley Borough Council2
Brighton & Hove IndependentsBrighton and Hove City Council2
Community FirstRossendale Council2
Ewell Court Residents' AssociationEpsom and Ewell Borough Council2
Farnworth and Kearsley FirstPeter FlitcroftBolton Council2
Halstead Residents' AssociationBraintree District2
Hinchley Wood Residents AssociationSaranne Bristow[26] Elmbridge Borough Council2
Independent Alliance (Kent)Tonbridge and Malling2
Independents@SwanseaCity and County of Swansea Council2
It's Our CountyHerefordshire Council2
Kingston Independent Residents GroupKingston upon Thames London Borough Council2
Knowle Community PartyGary HopkinsBristol City Council2[27] [28] [29]
Merton Park Ward Residents AssociationPeter SouthgateMerton London Borough Council2
Mexborough FirstCity of Doncaster Council2
Middleton Independents PartyMetropolitan Borough of Rochdale2
Old Windsor Residents' AssociationLynne Jones and Malcolm BeerWindsor and Maidenhead Borough Council2
People Against BureaucracyMalcolm StennettCheltenham, Gloucestershire2
Poole Engage PartyBournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council2
Rushcliffe IndependentsRushcliffe Borough Council2
Swanscombe and Greenhithe Residents' AssociationPeter Martin HarmanDartford Borough Council2
Tewkesbury and Twyning IndependentsNo LeaderTewkesbury Borough Council2
The Walton SocietyNo leaderElmbridge Borough Council2
Tytherington Ward IndependentsCheshire East Council2
West Windsor Residents AssociationWindsor and Maidenhead Borough Council2
Weybridge & St. George's Independentsno leaderElmbridge Borough Council2
Alderley Edge FirstMike Dudley-JonesCheshire East1
Blue RevolutionRosalyn Parker-LeeBoston Borough Council1
British Unionist PartyJohn FergusonNorth Lanarkshire Council1
City IndependentNo LeaderStoke-on-Trent City Council1[30]
East Cleveland IndependentNo leaderRedcar and Cleveland Borough Council1
Edlington and Warmsworth FirstDoncaster Council1
Independent UnionShane MooreHartlepool1[31]
Movement for Active DemocracyPortsmouth City Council1
One KearsleyPaul HeslopBolton Council1
Our IslandIsle of Wight Council1
Rotherham Democratic PartyAllen CowlesRotherham1
Tendring FirstTendring District1
The Best for Luton PartyBorough of Elmbridge1
The Rubbish PartySally CogleyEast Ayrshire1
Thurrock IndependentsGraham SnellThurrock1
Upminster and Cranham Residents' AssociationLinda HawthornHavering London Borough Council1[32]
West Dunbartonshire Community PartyDrew MacEoghainnWest Dunbartonshire Council1[33]
Wickford IndependentsNo leaderBasildon Borough Council1

No elected representation at principal level

This is a table of notable minor parties. Many parties are registered with the Electoral Commission but do not qualify for this list as they have not received significant independent coverage. Parties active across Ireland may have representation in the Republic of Ireland but not Northern Ireland.

PartyLeaderIdeologyPolitical position
4 Freedoms Party (UK EEP)Dirk HazellConservatism, pro-EuropeanismCentre-right
5 Star Direct Democracy PartyCollective LeadershipDirect democracy, Euroscepticism
Abolish the Welsh Assembly PartyRichard SuchorzewskiWelsh Parliament abolition
Animal Welfare Party (AWP)Vanessa HudsonAnimal welfare
Aontú (Minor party in the Republic of Ireland)Peadar TóibínAnti-abortion, Irish republicanism, social conservatism, Soft EuroscepticismFiscal:Centre-left
Social:Centre-right
Britain FirstPaul GoldingBritish fascism, neo-fascism, ultranationalism, British unionism, anti-Islam, EuroscepticismFar-right
British Democrats (BDP)Jim LewthwaiteBritish nationalism, anti-immigration, anti-Islam, economic nationalism, monarchismFar-right[34]
British National Party (BNP)Adam WalkerBritish fascism, right-wing populism, white nationalism, ethnic nationalism, ultranationalism, hard EuroscepticismFar-right
Christian PartyJeff GreenChristian right, social conservatism, British unionism EuroscepticismRight-wing
Christian Peoples Alliance (CPA)Sidney CordleChristian right, Christian democracy, social conservatism, EuroscepticismRight-wing
Church of the Militant Elvis PartyDavid BishopPolitical satire
The Common GoodDick RodgersChristian democracy, social conservatism, anti-IslamRight-wing
Communist LeagueNo clear leaderCommunism, EuroscepticismFar-left
Communist Party of Britain (CPB)Robert GriffithsCommunism, Marxism–LeninismFar-left
Communist Party of Britain
(Marxist–Leninist)
(CPB-ML)
No clear leaderCommunism, Marxism–Leninism, hard EuroscepticismFar-left
Communist Party of Great Britain
(Marxist–Leninist)
(CPGB-ML)
Ella RuleCommunism, Marxism–Leninism, Stalinism, anti-revisionism, anti-Zionism,[35] Hard Euroscepticism[36] Far-left
Communist Party of Great Britain
(Provisional Central Committee)
Collective leadershipCommunism, Leninism, anti-StalinismFar-left
Cornish Nationalist PartyUnknownCornish nationalism, Cornish devolution, pan-CelticismRight-wing
Cross-Community Labour AlternativeOwen McCrackenDemocratic socialism, trade unionism, nonsectarianism, eco-socialismLeft-wing
English DemocratsRobin TilbrookEnglish nationalism, English parliamentary devolution, EuroscepticismRight-wing to far-right
Devizes GuardiansNigel Carter
ÉirígíBrian LeesonSocialism, Irish republicanism, anti-imperialism, Euroscepticism, environmentalismLeft-wing to far-left
Equal Parenting AllianceRay BarryFathers' rights movement
Fianna Fáil
Micheál MartinConservatism, Christian democracy, Irish nationalism, pro-EuropeanismCentre to centre-right
Heritage PartyDavid KurtenEuroscepticism, British nationalism, British unionism, right-wing populism, social conservatismRight-wing
Homeland Party (Britain)Kenny SmithBritish nationalismFar-right
Independence for Scotland Party (ISP)Colette WalkerScottish independence
Independents for FromeRichard Ackroyd
Irish Republican Socialist PartyCollective leadershipIrish republicanism, Communism, Marxism-Leninism, Anti-globalisation, hard EuroscepticismFar-left
Lewisham People Before ProfitPatricia RichardsonSocialism, LocalismLeft-wing
Left UnitySharon McCourt
Joseph Healy
Nick Jones
(Principal Speakers)
Socialism, anti-capitalism, environmentalism,
feminism
Left-wing
Libertarian PartyAdam BrownLibertarianism, classical liberalism
Llais GwyneddOwain WilliamsGwynedd regionalism
National Health Action Party (NHA)Alastair Fischer and Veronika WagnerRe-nationalisation of the NHS,
environmentalism, anti-austerity, reformism
National Front (NF)Tony MartinFascism, neo-fascism, British nationalism, white supremacism
Far-right
National Liberal PartyUpkar Singh RaiEuroscepticismFar-right
New Communist Party of BritainAndy BrooksCommunism, Marxism-Leninism, anti-revisionism, hard EuroscepticismFar-left
Northern Independence Party (NIP)Philip Proudfoot and Evie McGovernNorthern independence, democratic socialismLeft-wing
Official Monster Raving Loony Party (OMRLP)1982Alan "Howling Laud" HopePolitical satirism
Peace PartyJohn MorrisPacifism, environmentalism
Pirate PartyLucy MaberPirate politics, civil libertarianism
Reclaim PartyLaurence FoxRight-wing populismRight-wing
Republican Network for UnityGary McNallyIrish republicanism, socialismLeft-wing
Republican Sinn FéinSeosamh Ó MaoileoinIrish republicanism, Irish nationalism, Éire Nua, socialism, Euroscepticism, abstentionism, secularismLeft-wing
Revolutionary Communist Party Britain (Marxist–Leninist) (RCPB-ML)Chris ColemanCommunism, anti-revisionism, Hoxhaism, Marxism–LeninismFar-left
SaoradhCollective leadershipIrish republicanism, dissident republicanism, revolutionary socialism, hard Euroscepticism, anti-imperialismFar-left
Science PartyMichael BrooksTechnocracy
Scottish Democratic Alliance (SDA)Robert Lamb WatsonScottish independence, Hard EuroscepticismCentre-right
Scottish Family PartyRichard LucasChristian right, social conservatism, anti-abortion, anti-LGBTRight-wing to far-right
Scottish Libertarian PartyTam LairdLibertarianism, classical liberalism, minarchism, Scottish independence, Euroscepticism
Scottish Socialist PartyCollective leadershipDemocratic socialism, Scottish independence, Scottish republicanismLeft-wing
Scottish Unionist Party (SUP)Daniel HoustonScottish unionism, British unionism, anti-Scottish Parliament
Socialist Equality PartyNo clear leaderTrotskyismFar-left
Socialist Labour Party (SLP)Arthur ScargillSocialism, fiscal localism, republicanism, hard EuroscepticismLeft-wing
Socialist Party (England and Wales)Hannah SellRevolutionary socialism, Trotskyism, MarxismFar-left
Socialist Party (Ireland)Collective leadershipDemocratic socialism, political radicalism, Trotskyism, EuroscepticismLeft-wing to far-left
Socialist Party of Great Britain (SPGB)Collective leadershipSocialism, Orthodox Marxism, ImpossibilismFar-left
Socialist Party ScotlandNo clear leaderSocialism, Trotskyism, trade unionismFar-left
Socialist Workers Party (SWP)Collective leadershipTrotskyismFar-left
Something NewDr James SmithSyncreticCentre
Syncretic
Taking The Initiative Party (TTIP)Charles Gordon and Sasha Johnson
Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC)Dave NellistTrade unionism, socialismLeft-wing to far-left
TransformCollective leadershipEco-socialism, democratic socialism, progressivismLeft-wing
UK Independence Party (UKIP)VacantEuroscepticism, Right-wing populism, National conservatism,[37] Economic liberalism, British nationalism[38]
Veterans and People's Party (VPP)Robin HorsfallRight-wing populism, British nationalism, hard Euroscepticism, paternalistic conservatismRight-wing
Volt UKLeander OtsPro-Europeanism, European federalism, social liberalism, progressivismCentre to centre-left
Wessex RegionalistsJim GunterWessex regionalism, agrarianism
Whig PartyWaleed GhaniPro-Europeanism, social progressivism, WhiggismCentre
Workers' Party (Ireland)Michael McCorryCommunism, Marxism–Leninism, Irish republicanismFar-left
Yoruba PartyOlusola OniYoruba diaspora interests

Defunct parties

PartyFoundation/
dissolution
Leader at dissolutionIdeologyPolitical position
Advance Together2017–2020Annabel MullinSocial liberalism, Subsidiarity, Reformism, Pro-EuropeanismCentre
Anti-Federalist League
1991–1993Alan SkedEuroscepticismRight-wing
Blaenau Gwent People's Voice2005–2010No clear leaderLocalism, Populism
Borders Party2006–2020Frances PringleLocalism
Boston Bypass Independents2006–2011Richard AustinLocalism
Britannica Party2011–2020Charles BaillieBritish Fascism, Right-wing populismFar-right
British First Party2007Kevin QuinnNeo-Nazism, White nationalism, White supremacyFar-right
British Freedom Party (BFP)2010–2012Kevin CarrollBritish nationalism, Euroscepticism, Anti-IslamFar-right
Burning Pink2020–2022Roger HallamEnvironmentalism
Burnley and Padiham Independent Party2017–2023Mark PayneLocalism
Cannabis Is Safer Than Alcohol (CISTA)2015–2016Paul BirchCannabis legalisation
Class War2014–2015No clear leaderAnarchismLeft-wing to far-left
Community Action Party2002–2016Michael MouldingEnvironmentalism, LocalismCentre-left
Communist Party of Scotland1992–2017No clear leaderCommunism, Marxism-Leninism, Scottish independenceFar-left
The Community Group (Hounslow)1994–2016Ian SpeedLocalism
Countryside Party2000–2008No clear leaderAgrarianism, ConservatismRight-wing
Democratic Alliance of Wales1999–2008Mike GermanLocalism
Democratic Labour1972–1979Dick TaverneSocial democracyCentre-left
Democratic Party1998–2010Geoff SouthallEuroscepticism, Direct democracyRight-wing
East Kilbride Alliance2007–2012No clear leaderLocalismCentre-left
Ecology Party1975–1985Tony WhittakerGreen politicsLeft-wing
England First2003–2012Mark CotterillEthnic nationalism, English nationalism,
English independence, Euroscepticism
Far-right
Fancy Dress Party1979–2017Steven FumpletonPolitical satire
Fellowship Party1955–2007Sidney FaganEnvironmentalism, Pacifism, Christian socialismLeft-wing
Fishing Party (Scotland)2003–2004George GeddesSingle-issue
For Britain Movement2017–2022Anne Marie WatersAnti-Islam, Right-wing populism, British nationalism,
National conservatism, Hard Euroscepticism
Far-right
For Darwen Party2007–2013Stephen PotterLocalism, Hard EuroscepticismRight-wing
Forward Wales2003–2010John MarekSocialism, Welsh nationalismLeft-wing
Free Party1997–2005No clear leader"Slack"
Green Party UK
1985–1990Tom WoodGreen politicsLeft-wing
Glasgow First2012–2015Gerrard McCueSocial democracyCentre-left
Harold Hill Independent[39] 2017–2018Lorraine MossLocalism
Heavy Woollen District Independents2017-2022Aleksandar LukicLocalism
Highlands and Islands Alliance1998–2004Lorraine MannLocalism, Regionalism, Soft Euroscepticism
Independence from Europe2012–2017Mike NattrassEuroscepticism, State ownership,
Direct democracy, English devolution
Right-wing
The Independent Group for Change2019Anna SoubryCentrism, Pro-EuropeanismCentre
Independent Community and Health Concern2001-2021No clear leaderLocalism
Independent Working Class Association (IWCA)1995–2020No clear leaderSocialism, LocalismLeft-wing
Islamic Party of Britain1989–2006David Musa PidcockIslamismThird position
Jury Team2009–2011Sir Paul JudgeNonpartisan politics, Localism, Direct democracyBig tent
Legalise Cannabis Alliance1997–2013Peter ReynoldsCannabis legalisation, Drug policy reform
Left List2008–2010Collective leadershipSocialismLeft-wing
Liberal Party
1859–1988David SteelLiberalism, Classical liberalism, Social liberalismCentre
Liberty GB2013–2017Paul WestonHard Euroscepticism, Right-wing populism,
British nationalism, Social conservatism
Far-right
Make Politicians History2005–2009Ronnie CarrollAnti-Parliamentarianism
Militant LeftNo clear leaderSocialism, Trotskyism, democratic socialismFar-left
MP3 Party2002–2007Ruslan FedorovskyPolitical satire
National Democrats (ND)1995–2011No clear leaderBritish nationalism, Right-wing populism, Third positionism,
Euroscepticism, National conservatism
Far-right
Nationalist Alliance2005–2008Catherine Parker-BrownWhite supremacyFar-right
Natural Law Party (NLP)1992–2004No clear leaderPro-Transcendental Meditation
New Deal2013–2015Alan SkedEuroscepticism, Social liberalismCentre-left
New Party2003–2010Richard VassNeoliberalism, Economic liberalism, Internationalism,
Euroscepticism, Right-libertarianism
Right-wing
No2EU2009–2014No clear leaderEuroscepticism, SocialismLeft-wing
No Candidate Deserves My Vote!2000–2012Amanda RingwoodElectoral reform, None of the above
Northern Ireland Women's Coalition (NIWC)1996–2006Monica McWilliams
Pearl Sagar
Feminism, Nonsectarianism
Northern Party2015–2016Michael DawsonNorthern England Regionalism
NI212013–2016Basil McCreaUlster unionism, Social liberalism, Secularism,
Nonsectarianism, Pro-Europeanism
Centre
One London2005–2008Damian HockneyEuroscepticismRight-wing
Orkney Manifesto Group2013-2022Rachael KingLocalism
Peace and Progress Party2004–2015Chris CooperHuman rights
Pro-Euro Conservative Party1999–2001John Stevens
Brendan Donnelly
One-nation conservatism, Liberal conservatism,
Pro-Europeanism
Centre to centre-right
ProLife Alliance1996–2004Josephine Quintavalle
Bruno Quintavalle
Anti-abortionSingle-issue
Protestant Coalition2013–2015Robert McKeeIrish unionism, Ulster loyalism, British nationalism,
Christian fundamentalism, Christian right
Far-right
Raving Loony Green Giant Party1989–1993Stuart HughesEnvironmentalism, Political satire
Referendum Party1994–1997James GoldsmithEuroscepticismSingle-issue
Renew Party2017–2022James ClarkePro-EuropeanismCentre
Respect Party2004–2016George GallowayAnti-war, Socialism, Anti-capitalism, Anti-imperialism,
Anti-Zionism, Euroscepticism
Left-wing to far-left
RISE – Scotland's Left Alliance2015–2020Jonathon ShafiAnti-capitalism, Eco-socialism, Scottish independence, Scottish republicanismLeft-wing
Rock 'n' Roll Loony Party2000–2007Chris DriverPolitical satire
Scotia Future2020–2023Chic BrodieScottish independence
Scottish Enterprise Party
2004–2009Robert Lamb WatsonScottish independence, Hard EuroscepticismCentre-right
Scottish Jacobite Party2005–2007 &
2010–2011
John BlackScottish independence, Scottish republicanism,
Euroscepticism
Scottish Voice2007–2012Archie StirlingCentre-right
Social Democratic Alliance (SDA)1975–1981No clear leaderSocial democracy, Anti-communismCentre to centre-left
Social Democratic Party (SDP)
1981–1988Robert MaclennanSocial democracy, Social liberalismCentre
Socialist People's Party (Furness)1995–2015Jim HamezianSocialismLeft-wing
Solidarity2006–2021Tommy SheridanSocialism, Scottish independence, Scottish republicanism, EuroscepticismLeft-wing to far-left
Tower Hamlets First2013–2015Lutfur RahmanSocial democracy, LocalismCentre-left
Trust Party2010–2011Stuart WheelerSoft EuroscepticismRight-wing
UK European Union Party2019–2021Pierre KirkPro-Europeanism, Cultural liberalism, Social liberalism,
Fiscal conservatism
Centre
UK Unionist Party (UKUP)1995–2008Robert McCartneyBritish unionism, Nonsectarianism, IntegrationismCentre-right
Ulster Popular Unionist Party1980–1995James KilfedderBritish unionism, Pro-devolutionCentre-right
United in Europe2014–2015Charles CormackLiberalism, Pro-EuropeanismCentre-left
United Kingdom First Party2009–2010Robin PagePopulism, EuroscepticismRight-wing
United Ulster Unionist Party (UUUP)1975–1984Ernest BairdUlster loyalismRight-wing
Vanguard Unionist Progressive Party (VUPP)1972–1978William CraigBritish nationalism, Ulster loyalismRight-wing to far-right
Veritas2005–2015Therese MuchewiczRight-wing populism, EuroscepticismRight-wing
We Demand a Referendum Now (WDARN)2012–2014Nikki SinclaireEuroscepticismSingle-issue
White Nationalist Party (WNP)2002–2005No clear leaderWhite nationalism, Neo-fascism, White supremacyFar-right

See also

Sources

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Party Finance – The Electoral Commission : Regulatory issues : Political parties : Registers: Register of political parties. 2015-08-03. Search.electoralcommission.org.uk.
  2. Web site: Search – The Electoral Commission . 25 May 2024 . electoralcommission.org.uk.
  3. News: Whatever you think of Ukip or the Greens, our electoral system is robbing them. 25 May 2015. The Daily Telegraph. 14 May 2015.
  4. News: Green party leader condemns first-past-the-post voting system. 25 May 2015. 9 May 2015.
  5. News: General Election 2015: Sixty per cent of people want voting reform, says survey. 25 May 2015. The Independent. 5 May 2015.
  6. News: Election 2015. 25 May 2015.
  7. News: Green party and Ukip join forces to demand electoral overhaul. 25 May 2015. Perraudin. Frances. 18 May 2015.
  8. Web site: John Marshall. Membership of UK political parties, House of Commons, SN/SG/5125; 2009, page 6. . 5 January 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20100423150318/http://www.parliament.uk/commons/lib/research/briefings/snsg-05125.pdf. 2010-04-23.
  9. Web site: Open Council Data UK - compositions councillors parties wards elections emails . 2024-05-25 . opencouncildata.co.uk.
  10. News: Mackintosh . Thomas . 4 May 2024 . Green Party: Co-leaders hail highest number of councillors . BBC News . 4 May 2024.
  11. Web site: Open Council Data UK - compositions councillors parties wards elections emails . 2024-01-08 . opencouncildata.co.uk.
  12. Web site: Open Council Data UK - compositions councillors parties wards elections emails . 2024-01-08 . opencouncildata.co.uk.
  13. Web site: Open Council Data UK - compositions councillors parties wards elections emails . 2024-01-08 . opencouncildata.co.uk.
  14. Web site: Open Council Data UK - compositions councillors parties wards elections emails . 2024-01-08 . opencouncildata.co.uk.
  15. Web site: Your Councillors . 2024-01-08 . Green Party Northern Ireland . en.
  16. Web site: Open Council Data UK - compositions councillors parties wards elections . opencouncildata.co.uk.
  17. Web site: 2024-01-07 . Your Councillors . 2024-01-07 . democracy.durham.gov.uk . en.
  18. Web site: Open Council Data UK - compositions councillors parties wards elections emails . 2024-01-08 . opencouncildata.co.uk.
  19. Web site: View registration - the Electoral Commission.
  20. http://search.electoralcommission.org.uk/English/Registrations/PP9049 Residents for Guildford and Villages
  21. Web site: 2023-05-05 . Election results by party, 5 May 2023 . 2023-05-06 . Guildford Borough Council . en.
  22. http://www.whitehillbordon.org.uk/
  23. Web site: View registration - the Electoral Commission.
  24. Web site: 2023-05-05 . Election results by party, 5 May 2023 . 2023-05-06 . Guildford Borough Council . en.
  25. Web site: 2020-07-21. Find Councillor. 2020-07-21. www.newcastle.gov.uk. en-GB.
  26. Web site: View registration - the Electoral Commission.
  27. News: Longstanding Lib Dem Councillors' resignations throw party into turmoil. Booth. Martin. 13 December 2021. Bristol24-7. 16 December 2021.
  28. News: Bristol has a new political party after two councillors quit theirs to start one up. Cork. Tristan. 13 December 2021. Bristol Post. 16 December 2021.
  29. News: Two city councillors quit the Lib Dems to set up new party. Ross. Alex. 13 December 2021. Bristol World. 16 December 2021.
  30. Web site: Councillors by Party: City Independents . stoke.gov.uk . 11 August 2022.
  31. Web site: Hartlepool Borough Council - Find Councillors .
  32. Web site: Tyler . Marcus . Benefit information for landlords . 2024-01-07 . www.havering.gov.uk . en.
  33. Web site: West Dunbartonshire Community Party . 2024-01-07 . www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk . en.
  34. News: Collins, Matthew . 8 February 2013 . Neo-Nazi former BNP members launch new far-right party . 8 February 2013 . New Statesman.
  35. Web site: Zionism is a racist and antisemitic tool of imperialist policy in the middle east. 24 November 2018. The Communists.
  36. Web site: Why British workers need a Brexit. CPGB-ML. 1 April 2016.
  37. Book: O'Reilly, Gerry. Aligning Geopolitics, Humanitarian Action and Geography in Times of Conflict. 2019. Springer. 47.
  38. News: New York Times. 18 April 2018. Key Points About a Snap Election in Britain. 20 September 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180920085527/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/18/world/europe/britain-snap-election-brexit-theresa-may-questions.html. 20 September 2018. live.
  39. Web site: View registration - the Electoral Commission.