Study: Next UK Election Set to be Most Unequal in 60 Years

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Facts

  • A newly published report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has concluded that the UK lacks political equality, claiming that Britain's next general election is set to be its most unequal in 60 years.1
  • The report states that while individuals should "expect some will not get their way in collective decision," even if "all had equal influence," the Institute alleges that "more money translates into more influence" as the proportion of income being received by the top 1% has doubled since 1985.2
  • The report goes on to say that individuals believe that "people like them" have no say in government policy and it is "almost twice as likely" within the bottom third of earners compared to the top third. IPPR continues that those earning over £70K (US$88K) are 56% more likely to trust parliament to act in "public interest" compared to those earning under £15K ($19K).2
  • Nine out of 10 of the top third earners voted in the last two elections, compared to seven in 10 of the bottom third. Nine in 10 of those who went to university also voted, compared to seven in 10 of those who did not finish secondary school.2
  • Having analyzed data from the British Social Attitudes Survey, IPPR said that individuals with low income, below secondary education, in unskilled or partly skilled occupations, and who rented accommodation were more likely to agree with the statement "it's not really worth voting." 2
  • The report concluded by accusing the "democratic principle of 'one person, one vote'" in the UK of "not hold[ing] true," while Dr. Parth Patel — senior research fellow at the Institute — has commented that the UK's "democratic machine needs rewiring." 3

Sources: 1Independent, 2IPPR, and 3Guernsey Press.

Narratives

  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Involve. Trust in the UK political system is at an all-time low, and there is an urgent need for greater citizen involvement within the heart of Westminster. Rebuilding political relationships to be inclusive of people from all walks of life and works in the 21st century must occur, or public office will continue to not represent the people and merely defend the status quo.
  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by The Financial Express. There is a beauty within the Westminster system that's not often seen in other forms of national politics. Ministers keep their role based on a relationship of trust and are expelled from office if the country is not satisfied with their performance. While often criticized, the very allowance of public criticism must be recognized as in itself a product of a thriving democracy.
  • Nerd narrative, as provided by Metaculus.There is a 9% chance that the UK House of Commons will be elected by proportional representation before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.