Brits switching between political parties at ‘astonishing’ levels as 6.5million voted tactically to oust a candidate in the General Election, report reveals
BRITS are switching between political parties at “astonishing” levels as it emerges 6.5million voted tactically in June’s general election.
The 2017 nationwide poll also saw the second highest movement of votes between parties since 1931, a study has found.
With old party allegiances breaking down, as many as one in five Brits backed candidates just to oust ones they don’t like.
At the same time, 22 million votes had no impact on the result, out of a total of 32,204,141 cast.
The findings come in a study of the election result by the Electoral Reform Society.
It has branded the June vote the “hold your nose” election before of the level of switching and tactical votes.
The highest level of electoral volatility came two years ago at the 2015 general election.
The campaign group claimed the two elections prove Britain’s First Past The Post voting system is creaking, and failing to keep up with voters’ increasing wish to shop around.
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ERS chief executive Darren Hughes said: “For the third time in a row, Westminster’s voting system has failed to do what it says on the tin – produce a ‘strong and stable’ government.
“June’s election has shown first-past-the-post is unable to cope with people’s changing voting habits - forcing citizens and parties to try and game the system.”
Ministers shook off the criticisms.
A Government spokeswoman said: “We are pleased the Electoral Commission’s report into the 2017 General Election found the elections were well run.
“First past the post is a voting system that offers a robust method of electing MPs.
“A referendum on changing the voting system for general elections was held in 2011 and the public voted overwhelmingly in favour of keeping the first-past-the-post system.