CRS Insights: The United Kingdom Election (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised May 8, 2015 |
| Report Number |
IN10266 |
| Report Type |
Insight |
| Authors |
Mix, Derek E. |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
The United Kingdom's (UK) general election takes place May 7, 2015. The previous election, in 2010, resulted in a 'hung Parliament,' as no party won a majority of the 650 seats in the House of Commons. The Conservative Party, led by David Cameron, won the most seats with 307. After winning the three prior elections, the Labour Party finished second with 258 seats. The Conservatives subsequently formed a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats, led by Nick Clegg, who finished third with 57 seats. David Cameron became prime minister, and Nick Clegg became deputy prime minister. Ed Miliband replaced Gordon Brown as leader of the Labour Party. The coalition's signature initiative has been a far-reaching austerity program aiming to reduce the country's budget deficit. The deficit has decreased while economic growth has improved, but austerity has heightened social tensions and caused friction between the coalition partners. The parties have also disagreed over other issues, including the UK's policies toward the European Union (EU).
