Threat of deselection will weaken UK parties

Subject

The likely fallout from the resignation of twelve Conservative and Labour MPs and the emergence of the breakaway Independent Group.

Significance

Recent internal party conflicts have highlighted the issue of deselection. This is a process by which constituency parties formally vote not to adopt their incumbent member of parliament (MP) as their candidate for the next general election. Incumbents experiencing the threat of deselection often blame local agitation on new members joining their party from other political organisations.

Impacts

• Deselection attempts and resignations will provoke division at party leadership levels.
• Perception of bullying may deter women from becoming party members.
• Resigned MPs could return to their respective parties under a different leadership and/or after Brexit.