The Main Political Parties

Find out how to register to vote, how to pick a candidate, and what happens on voting day, inside our handy guide

Different Parties in the UK

Each party has its own ideas and policies on how the UK should be run. Knowing about them can help you make an informed decision when it’s time to cast your vote.

The Conservative Party

Also known as the Tories.

The Conservative Party is currently in power. The leader of the party, Rishi Sunak, is the Prime Minister.

Colour: Blue

Find out more: Conservatives

The Labour Party

The Labour Party is the second biggest party in the UK. Because of that, they are sometimes called the Opposition because they ‘oppose’ the government.

The leader of the party, Sir Keir Starmer, is known as the Leader of the Opposition.

Colour: Red

Find out more: Labour

The Liberal Democrats

Also known as the Lib Dems.

The leader of the Lib Dems is voted for by party members.

The leader of the Lib Dems is Sir Ed Davey.

Colour: Yellow

Find out more: Lib dems

The Green Party

The Green Party currently has two leaders (although this is unusual in a political party).

The leaders are Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay.

Colour: Green

Find out more: Green party

The Scottish National Party

They are also known as The SNP.

Their leader is Humza Yousaf

Colour: Yellow

Find out more: SNP

Plaid Cymru

They are the Welsh national party.

Their leader is Rhun Ap Lorweth

Colour: Yellow

Find out more: Plaid Cymru

The Democratic Unionist Party

They are a party based in Northern Ireland.

Their interim leader is Gavin Robinson

Colour: Red

Find out more: My DUP