The Greens, Reform and the end of two-party politics?

This episode of Politics Weekly UK explores the seismic shifts in UK politics following the 2024 general election, focusing on the rise of the Greens, the precarious state of the Conservatives, and the potential end of two-party dominance. Rob Ford, political scientist and author, analyzes how the Greens, under new leader Zach Polanski, have tripled membership by mobilizing the 'double left' electorate—left on both economics and social issues—particularly in concentrated urban seats like London and Manchester. While these voters were historically a liability for Labour due to their geographic clustering, they now present a strategic opportunity for the Greens to achieve significant gains with relatively low electoral cost. Meanwhile, the Conservatives, despite a temporary boost in Kemi Badenoch’s approval ratings, remain in deep crisis, polling worse than their 2024 showing—the worst in over 180 years. Ford argues the party isn’t yet doomed, but its recovery hinges on reinvention, especially in Scotland and Wales, where Reform UK is making inroads by breaking the traditional Tory brand and appealing to anti-establishment, populist voters. The upcoming local and devolved elections are seen as critical tests of whether Reform and the Greens are surging or plateauing. Ford concludes with a call for electoral reform, warning that the first-past-the-post system is ill-suited for a multi-party landscape and that a hung parliament is likely, making reform a political necessity. He remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing that when voters are given real choice, they respond with engagement and renewal.