The nature of contemporary politics means that first-past-the-post is unable to prevent multiparty systems

Duverger’s law states that a first-past-the-post electoral system – such as the one in use in the UK for Westminster elections – will support and sustain two party politics. But in recent years, the UK has seen what is essentially a multi-party system emerge, despite systemic constraints. Christopher Raymond looks at how this has come to pass, and suggests that electoral reform may result from the political fragmentation.