Political dynasties have featured prominently in British political history, but are declining in value

The death of Tony Benn, third of four generations of his family to sit in the House of Commons, and the selection of Stephen Kinnock, son of the former Labour leader, as a candidate for the next general election, has thrust the spotlight onto political dynasties. Alun Wyburn-Powell shows that historically dynasties have been highly significant in shaping political outcomes, but that they are declining in value as time progresses.