The Labour Party, is a centre-left political party in the United Kingdom. It is one of the two main political parties along with the Conservative Party. In all general elections since 1922, Labour has been either the governing party or the Official Opposition. Since the 2010 general election, Labour has been the second largest party in the UK behind the Conservatives having lost the four last general elections.
This article encompasses detailed results of previous UK general elections, devolved national elections, devolved London elections and European Parliament elections which the Labour Party have participated in.
Background
The Labour Party, is one of the two main political parties in the United Kingdom, along with the Conservative Party. The Labour Party sits on the centre-left of the political spectrum. In all general elections since 1922, Labour has been either the governing party or the Official Opposition. There have been six Labour prime ministers and thirteen Labour ministries. Since the 2010 general election, it has been the second-largest UK political party by the number of votes cast, behind the Conservative Party.
National results
UK general elections
Following the 1918 general election, Labour became the Official Opposition after the Conservatives went into coalition with the Liberal Party. Labour's first minority governments came following the 1923 and 1929 general elections, the latter being the first time Labour were the largest party in the country by seats won. They formed their first majority government following the 1945 general election. However, after winning the 1950 general election, Labour would lose the following election in 1951 to the Conservatives despite gaining the highest share of votes to date at 48.8%. During the 1983 election, Labour posted their worst vote share in the post-war period at 27.6%. In 1997, a party record of 418 Labour MPs were elected. At the 2019 general election, 202 Labour MPs were elected, the lowest for the party since 1935. Since the 2010 general election, Labour have lost four consecutive general elections. The next general election is due to be held by January 2025.
Note
Devolved national elections
Scottish Parliament elections
In 1999, the Scottish Parliament was founded. Elections to determine the composition of the Parliament take place once every five years under the additional member system. Overall, there are 73 constituency members (MSPs) and 56 regional members elected. Before 2016, elections were held every four years.
In the inaugural two elections, Labour were the largest party and formed a coalition with the Scottish Liberal Democrats on both occasions. However, Labour narrowly lost the 2007 election to the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP). By seats won, Labour have been the third largest party in the Scottish Parliament behind the SNP and Conservatives since 2016.
Senedd elections
As part of Labour's 1997 winning UK general election manifesto, Labour committed to devolving power to Wales and Scotland subject to public consent from referendums. In July 1997, Labour released its white paper for devolution in Wales. This devolution deal would include 60 elected members who would take responsibility for £7 billion of funding. Furthermore, this new Assembly would have the right to pass secondary legislation in order to modify already existing laws. The devolution plans were endorsed by the public in the 1997 Welsh devolution referendum by 50.3% of the vote. The Government of Wales Act 1998 would receive royal assent with the Assembly to be formed following the first election in May 1999.
In 1999, the Welsh Assembly or Senedd Cymru was founded. From 1999 until 2011, Welsh Assembly elections were held once every four years, they are now held every five years. 40 Constituency Assembly Members (AMs) and 20 regional Assembly Members are elected at each election. The current voting system is the additional member system.
At every Senedd election, Labour has received the most votes and seats at each election, but has never formed a clear majority of seats. Labour formed a coalition with the Welsh Liberal Democrats from 2000–2003. From 2003–2007, Labour governed alone as a minority administration before serving in coalition with Plaid Cymru from 2007–2011. Labour have governed alone as a minority administration since 2011.
Devolved regional elections
London Assembly elections
London Assembly elections are held every four years. Overall, there are 14 constituency members and 11 London-wide members. The voting system is the additional member system.