ABSTRACT
Chapter 2 shows the importance of historical perspective when understanding the seeming turbulence and volatility in present day politics and representation in Britain. The historical antecedents of the two party system and the underpinning plurality based voting for Westminster, while guaranteeing continued support for Labour and Conservatives, have not prevented major transformation of representative-electoral politics. The structural change in the UK’s socio-economic structure has altered the class based party alignment vectors in British politics along with the rise of nationalism (especially in Scotland) and devolved governments. The convergence of political and policy pathways of both main parties from the 1980s and the sustained impact of the2008 financial crash have led to seeming disenchantment with both main parties and their responses to this are assessed. The current polarities in British politics are outlined (with evidence including the 2017 general election), as are the impacts of political issues such as immigration and the role of communication – including new media platforms – in the conduct of politics.
