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3 September 1993 UKIP founded by Professor Alan Sked and members of the cross-party Anti- Federalist League 1997 Professor Alan Sked resigns as party leader, succeeded by Michael Holmes 1999 Michael Holmes elected MEP for South West England in the EU elections 2000 Jeffrey Titford becomes new leader of UKIP 2002 Roger Knapman replaces Titford as UKIP leader 2006 Nigel Farage becomes leader of UKIP 2009 Lord Pearson takes over as leader of the UKIP 2010 Nigel Farage returns to position of UKIP leader 2015 – 1 MP elected

Centre-right party grounded in social and political conservatism. Emerged in 1834 out of original Tory Party (dates back to 1678). Oldest political party in the world! Economic liberalisation under Thatcher. Current Conservative-led coalition government behind economic austerity and ‘Big Society’. 331/650 seats in House of Commons 217/724 seats in House of Lords 25/72 seats in European parliament (largest British party) Key think tanks- Adam Smith Institute, Centre for Policy Studies, Policy Exchange.

Centre left democratic socialist party- now in opposition, led by Ed Milliband. Origins in extension of franchise to working- class males and need for representing interests. Party grew out of Trade Union movement and socialist parties of C19. Historically socialist- public ownership of key industries; government intervention in economy; redistribution of wealth; workers rights; publicly-funded welfare state. Became main opposition to Conservatives in early 1920s. 232/650 seats in House of Commons 212/724 seats in House of Lords 13/73 seats in European Parliament Key think tanks- Fabian Society, IPPR, Compass

Social liberal party led by Nick Clegg (Deputy PM) Liberal Party around since late 1800s, but LibDems formed in 1988 by merger of Liberal Party and Social Democratic Party. Currently in coalition with Conservatives following ‘hung parliament’ (no party has absolute majority). Support constitutional and electoral reform, progressive taxation, economic redistribution, banking reform, human rights law, cultural liberalism and civil liberties. 8/650 seats in House of Commons 79/724 seats in House of Lords 12/72 seats in European parliament Key think tanks- Centre Forum.

[MP in the country] Government Ministers Election canvassing Party fundraising Addressing concerns of constituents House of Commons Debates and voting on laws Sitting on Select Committee Weekly surgery Attending functions, schools, meeting businesses etc Group of MPs looking at specific issues. Hearings and reports- facts and informed opinion

MUSLIM MPs

2% female councillors BAME compared to 4% male councillors

CONTACT THEM/GET INVOLVED Attend an advice surgery You can attend most council meetings (though usually you can’t speak at them).

MEMBERS OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT (MEP) Individuals elected to European Parliament. Each represents a constituency. 785 in total (if Turkey joins, will be many more). 73 British MEPs, different numbers depending on region. Influence budget; can approve/amend/reject EU legislation and can hold European Commission (draws up treaties/laws/policies) to account. Each country has own system of PR voting. Elections every 5 years- last elections June 2009.

ARE MPs REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PUBLIC? 35% went to private school 9 out of 10 MPs went to university 3 out of 10 MPs went to Oxbridge 38% of Conservative MPs went to Oxbridge, 28% of Lib Dems and 20% of Labour 54% of Conservatives MPs, 40% of Lib Dems and 15% of Labour MPs attended fee paying schools 22% went to state grammar schools