The 2015 General Election saw the Conservatives win an overall majority, 12 seats ahead of the Labour party and was said to be the most unpredictable election in a generation. With scores of the population having turned away from traditional styles of voting, a nation of swing voters emerged (Cowley and Kavanagh). Whilst it is true to say that social class and age remain fundamental components, it could also be said that more modern short term factors such as issue voting and the media have become more important in illustrating current voting behaviour. This essay examines the extent to which these factors of voting behaviour helps us to understand the result of the 2015 UK general election.
Social class had been considered the most significant …show more content…
For example, during the 2015 election campaign, 55% of people said improving the NHS to be the most import issue and Labour was trusted over the Conservative party on the health service by 39% to 23%. (YouGov, 2015). Additionally, immigration was a major issue throughout this campaign, 24% of the public would put their faith in UKIP to deal with the issue, compared to 19% for the Conservatives, 12% for the Labour Party but UKIP failed to win a single seat (YouGov, 2015). Therefore, while the Conservatives may not be ahead on every issue, they are the most consistant throughout the 3 Major issues being first in terms of Economy, second on NHS and second on immigration. This would have a notable effect on the Conservative party …show more content…
Firstly, many are still likely to vote according to their social class but this has greatly reduced; now voters are far less likely to vote for their natural party. Secondly, many still vote in terms with their age but this could be linked to party policies. Thirdly, the short term factor issue voting means citizens are more likely to vote for parties ahead on the important issues, although this party may not always be ahead on all issues. Lastly, the media has been seen to greatly influence through televised debates, while social media has had little influence over voters decisions. Overall, although these factors of voting behaviour help us to understand the 2015 UK general election to an extent, they cannot be fully explicit and leave an element of
Social class had been considered the most significant …show more content…
For example, during the 2015 election campaign, 55% of people said improving the NHS to be the most import issue and Labour was trusted over the Conservative party on the health service by 39% to 23%. (YouGov, 2015). Additionally, immigration was a major issue throughout this campaign, 24% of the public would put their faith in UKIP to deal with the issue, compared to 19% for the Conservatives, 12% for the Labour Party but UKIP failed to win a single seat (YouGov, 2015). Therefore, while the Conservatives may not be ahead on every issue, they are the most consistant throughout the 3 Major issues being first in terms of Economy, second on NHS and second on immigration. This would have a notable effect on the Conservative party …show more content…
Firstly, many are still likely to vote according to their social class but this has greatly reduced; now voters are far less likely to vote for their natural party. Secondly, many still vote in terms with their age but this could be linked to party policies. Thirdly, the short term factor issue voting means citizens are more likely to vote for parties ahead on the important issues, although this party may not always be ahead on all issues. Lastly, the media has been seen to greatly influence through televised debates, while social media has had little influence over voters decisions. Overall, although these factors of voting behaviour help us to understand the 2015 UK general election to an extent, they cannot be fully explicit and leave an element of