Is Labour Membership Declining by 200,000 Over Five Years?

Labour's membership has significantly declined over the past five years, losing nearly 200,000 members since its peak in 2019, particularly since Sir Keir Starmer took leadership in 2020. Despite a recent landslide election victory, Labour has seen a continuing drop, yet remains the largest political party in the UK. Meanwhile, rival parties have reported varying membership trends, highlighting the shifting political landscape.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Labour lost around 200,000 members since 2019, with a notable drop since 2020.
• Despite membership decline, Labour remains the largest political party in the UK.
• Reform UK claims a membership surge, reaching over 234,000 members.
• The Liberal Democrats and Greens saw slight changes in their membership numbers.
• Both Labour and the Conservatives reported financial deficits in 2024.

Labour's Declining Membership: An Overview

Since peaking at 532,046 members at the end of 2019, Labour's membership has steadily decreased under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer, who assumed the role in April 2020. The party's latest annual accounts reveal a membership total of 333,235 at the end of last year, indicating a loss of around 37,215 members in 2024 alone. This figure represents approximately 10% of Labour's total membership at the start of the year.

Labour sources have indicated that membership fluctuations are not uncommon, particularly between elections, and they maintain a sense of pride in being the largest political party in the country. However, the ongoing decrease raises questions about the party's appeal and strategy moving forward.

Comparative Membership Trends Among Political Parties

In contrast to Labour's losses, other political parties have reported various membership trends, reflecting a dynamic political environment in the UK.

Reform UK: A Surge in Numbers

Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has claimed a significant increase in membership following its success in last year's general election and the May local elections. Although Reform did not disclose an exact membership figure in their recent annual accounts, a ticker on their website asserts that they now have over 234,000 members. This growth indicates a rising interest in their policies and political stance.

The Liberal Democrats: A Slight Decline

Despite achieving their best-ever election results last year, the Liberal Democrats experienced a decrease in membership from 86,599 to 83,174. This drop, although minor, suggests that even successful electoral performances do not always translate to sustained membership growth.

The Green Party: Gains Amidst Competition

On a more positive note, the Green Party of England and Wales has recorded an increase of approximately 5,000 new members in 2024, following their success in winning four seats during the general election. This growth reflects the rising public interest in environmental issues, which the Green Party prioritises.

The Conservatives: Uncertain Membership Figures

The Conservative Party does not routinely publish detailed membership figures in its annual accounts. However, they reported an increase in income from membership fees of around £500,000, which may indicate a stable or possibly growing membership base. Notably, around 131,680 individuals were eligible to vote in last year's Tory leadership election, marking a reduction of 40,000 from the 2022 contest.

Jeremy Corbyn's New Party: Uncertain Membership Numbers

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has announced that over 650,000 people have signed up to join his new political party since its launch in July. However, it is important to note that these individuals have only shared their contact details to express interest and are not necessarily paid members. Furthermore, the new party has yet to register with the Electoral Commission, raising questions about the legitimacy of these claims.

Financial Impacts on Political Parties

Both Labour and the Conservatives reported financial deficits in 2024. Labour's accounts indicated a loss of £3.8 million, attributed to the need for rapid responses during their general election campaign. The party spent a substantial £94.5 million over the year. Similarly, the Conservatives described their recent campaign as the most expensive in their history, incurring a loss of £1.9 million after spending £52 million.

In contrast, the Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, and the Green Party reported financial surpluses at the end of the year, showcasing their ability to manage resources effectively during a challenging political climate.

Labour's Reporting Challenges

While most political parties published their accounts through the Electoral Commission, Labour's figures were released on the party's own website due to administrative delays in submission. A spokesperson for Labour indicated that the accounts would be published by the commission "imminently," suggesting efforts to maintain transparency amidst scrutiny over their recent financial performance.

What Lies Ahead for Labour and Political Parties?

As Labour navigates the challenges of declining membership and financial deficits, the party must consider its strategies for reconnecting with its base and attracting new supporters. The political landscape in the UK is rapidly evolving, with Reform UK and other parties gaining traction, indicating a shift in voter priorities and preferences.

Moreover, Labour's historical significance and its role as the largest political party in the UK may not be sufficient to ensure future success without addressing the underlying issues contributing to its membership decline. The upcoming electoral cycles will be critical in determining how Labour adapts to these challenges and whether it can regain momentum in a competitive political arena.

FAQs

Why has Labour's membership been declining?

Labour's membership has been declining due to various factors, including leadership changes, electoral performance, and shifts in voter engagement. Since Sir Keir Starmer took leadership in 2020, the party has seen a steady drop in numbers.

How does Labour's membership compare to other parties?

Despite losing members, Labour remains the largest political party in the UK, with 333,235 members. In comparison, Reform UK claims over 234,000 members, while the Liberal Democrats have around 83,174, and the Green Party has gained approximately 5,000 new members.

What financial challenges is Labour facing?

Labour reported a financial deficit of £3.8 million in 2024, primarily due to high campaign spending during the general election. This situation reflects broader challenges faced by political parties in managing their finances effectively.

What new developments are occurring with Jeremy Corbyn's party?

Jeremy Corbyn's new party has reportedly garnered over 650,000 sign-ups, but these figures do not represent paid memberships, and the party has yet to register with the Electoral Commission, raising questions about its operational status.

Are other parties experiencing membership growth?

Yes, Reform UK and the Green Party have reported increases in membership numbers, indicating a shift in interest towards their policies, especially in light of recent electoral successes.

As political dynamics continue to evolve in the UK, how will Labour adapt to retain its relevance and connection with the electorate? The outcomes of the next elections may provide crucial insights into the future of party membership and engagement. #LabourParty #PoliticalMembership #UKPolitics