General Election 2019—hung parliaments

Table of contents

• What are the possible outcomes of a hung parliament in a general election? In what circumstances can a party attempt to form a coalition under the UK electoral system?
• Do hung Parliaments bring with them any legal problems? To what extent can these be planned for and avoided by the parties?
• Do some electoral systems create more hung parliaments than others? Are there any advantages to a hung Parliament?
• Are coalitions purely a political negotiation? What is needed in order to create a functioning coalition in the event of a hung Parliament?
• How many parties need to be involved for a coalition to secure a working majority in the House of Commons?

Article summary

Public Law analysis: What options does a UK political party have if they fail to win sufficient seats to command a majority in the House of Commons? Alexander Campbell, barrister at Field Court Chambers, examines the law and requirements around hung parliaments in the UK recalling the Liberal Democrat-Conservative coalition of 2010.