VIII. UK poor don't vote — Electoral systems and inequality

Part VIII – the Death of working class democracy

Scope: looks at the link between FPTP, neoliberalism and the withdrawal of the the working class from UK politics over the last 1/2 century

Summary:

FPTP countries have far higher inequality than PR countries, especially in the neoliberal era.
Neoliberalism eroded turnout in FPTP systems, particularly among low-income voters.
Two-party dominance sidelined the poor, while PR kept progressive voices viable through broad turnout.
Public service investment collapsed under FPTP, worsening inequality and well-being.

Conclusion:

After decades of exclusion and rising inequality, disaffected voters are now rallying behind Reform UK—ironically threatening to upend the very system that excluded them.