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Explained in plain English

What is first past the post?

First Past the Post (FPTP) is the UK's electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins, even if they don't get over half. This system often makes it hard for smaller parties like Reform UK, despite their 21% national support, to translate votes into many parliamentary seats.

Stories that explain this

Labour drops three points in YouGov poll, Conservatives gain

Questions this opens up

How does FPTP affect smaller parties? What are other voting systems? When was FPTP introduced?

Related explainers

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