In every election we are asked to vote in, there are obvious parties to consider. The ‘big three’ – Conservatives, Labour, and the Liberal Democrats – have historically been prevalent in elections across the UK. If you live in Scotland, you will see the SNP on your ballot paper. In Wales, Plaid Cymru will stand candidates in every constituency. And whilst in Northern Ireland the main parties are a bit different to the rest of the UK, you can expect to see smaller parties running alongside the Democratic Unionist Party, Sinn Fein, Alliance and the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP).
You may see parties that are less well-known. Some might stage candidates in many constituencies, and others in a more limited number of areas. In recent years, the Green Party has grown in influence. Reform UK (formerly the Brexit Party) is a regular contender. Alba is expected to contest a good number of Scottish seats at the next General Election. And there are smaller Christian parties, socialists, libertarians, and people who do not declare any party affiliation, choosing instead to stand as independents.
Our approach to smaller parties and independents probably varies quite significantly. Some of us will have a strong affiliation to a party – one of the big ones, let’s say – and would never consider voting for a smaller entity, believing that they have no real prospect of electoral success. Others might be in the habit of voting for smaller parties or independents because of our conscience on a particular issue or issues. Still others may have cast their votes widely over the years, inhabiting that sizeable, and somewhat mysterious, cohort of Brits who are ‘floating voters’. And I suspect a good number of us don’t really know what to think on this issue!
We thought it might be helpful to draw out a few guiding principles, in order to help Christians to think through this issue. Whilst we won’t tell you who to vote for – big party, small party, or independent candidate – we believe there are good reasons to consider each entity listed on our ballot papers as we come to cast our votes. Here are three reasons why.
1. Diversity is a good thing
The fact that smaller parties and independent candidates exist in each election is testament to the democratic freedoms we enjoy. Citizens are able to stand for office independently or form a political party with other likeminded individuals and try to get elected. It is good to have a broad offer of parties and candidates to vote for, and not be constrained to two ‘establishment’ parties that hand the baton of power from one to another over successive elections. The proliferation of parties reflects a diversity of views in our society and gives people a vehicle to make their voice heard. It is worth looking into all the parties and individuals standing in your area to see what they have to say, and whether they might represent your views well.
2. Smaller parties express public opinion
Over the decades, the political make-up of the UK parliament has generally swung from right to left but there have been times when smaller parties and independents have come to the fore and had a significant influence. They might hook into popular demand for a change in policy, or dissatisfaction with the actions of the larger parties. Single issue parties and individuals can have an impact in unexpected ways, providing a vehicle for public opinion, and shaping the media narrative.
3. They help voters with a sensitive conscience
A third reason that smaller parties and independents are a good thing is that they give people with a particular conscience on a certain issue, or issues, a party to vote for. It may be that a Christian has a particular concern for one issue – say environmentalism, social justice, education, or religious liberty – but feels bigger parties are not doing what they should be. Or that the bigger parties are so compromised on that one issue that they cannot lend them a vote. Rather than abstain from voting – something we would not recommend given the immense privilege it is to have a vote – this person might find that a smaller party or individual is more closely aligned with them on the issue they care about.
We hope these principles will help you as you prayerfully consider your vote. Why not check out these blogs on other issues Christians think about in the lead up to an election?
