What is first past the post?
First past the post is the voting system used for UK general elections. Each constituency elects one MP, and the candidate with the most votes wins, even without a majority. The party winning most seats usually forms the government. It tends to produce strong majorities but can leave many votes unrepresented.
Voters mark a single cross next to one candidate. There are no second preferences and no minimum share needed. In a close multi-party contest, an MP can win with around a third of the vote. Across the country, seat totals often look very different from vote shares, because what matters is where votes fall. Winning narrowly in many seats beats piling up huge majorities in a few.
The 2024 general election showed this clearly. Labour won 411 of 650 seats, about 63%, with roughly 34% of the vote. Reform UK won about 14% of the vote but just five seats. The Liberal Democrats won 72 seats on around 12%, thanks to concentrated support. Some called it the least proportional result in UK history. Smaller parties often lose out.
First past the post is also used for English local elections and, since 2022, for English mayors and police commissioners. Scotland and Wales use proportional systems for their parliaments. In 2011 UK voters rejected a switch to the alternative vote by about two to one. Electoral reform remains a live debate, especially among smaller parties. It also continues for Westminster by-elections and English council seats.
Many on the left, especially Greens and Liberal Democrats, argue first past the post wastes votes and should be replaced by proportional representation.
Many on the right argue it gives clear results, strong government and a direct link between each MP and their area. Reform UK, however, now backs change.
Britain is split. Now you decide.
In WeDecide you can try the seat calculator to see how the same votes produce very different Parliaments under different systems.
Play WeDecide freeCommon questions
Why does the UK use first past the post?
It is the historic system, and voters rejected change in the 2011 referendum.
What are the problems with first past the post?
Seat totals can differ widely from vote shares, and many votes do not help elect anyone.
Which countries use first past the post?
The UK, the United States, Canada and India use it for national elections.
Under first past the post, who wins a constituency?
The candidate with the most votes. The candidate with the most votes wins, even without a majority.
Which elections use first past the post?
Westminster elections. FPTP is used for Westminster elections.