For much of the 20th century, British politics was viewed through the lens of class. Voting decisions were often predictable; the middle and upper classes leaned towards the Conservatives, while the working class tended to associate with Labour. However, this traditional approach no longer holds. Age and education today are redefining British politics and changing voting behavior and motivation.

According to the British Social Attitudes poll, which has tracked public opinion since 1983, the correlation between social class and party preference has increasingly diminished. The most recent data suggest a political realignment in motion. Senior research fellow and co-author of the paper, Professor Sir John Curtic, succinctly described the change: “The roots of the system have evaporated. Class no now corresponds to the old vote. We live in multidimensional politics today.

Voters are not split just based on income or job type anymore. Rather, age groups and educational levels now mostly determine political identity. In this changing terrain, knowledge of voting behavior calls for fresh ideas considering generational priorities and cultural values.

How Is Labour Adapting as Age and Education Redefine Its Voter Base?

One of the clearest signs of change is found in Labour’s shifting support base. Historically, the working-class party, Labour, no longer inspires allegiance from that demographic as it used to. Just 30% of people in semi-regular and routine jobs backed Labour in the 2024 general election. Of those in managerial and professional roles, 42% vote for the party.

This reversal underlines how education and age are reshaping British politics. Often young, educated, and urban, the modern Labour supporter is also from London, in particular, which has become the most pro-Labour region in the UK.

Curtice explained: “London is now the most pro-Labour part of the nation. A young, usually first-generation middle-class professional is the basic Labour supporter.

This shift in population points to Labour turning into a party more in line with liberal, metropolitan ideals. But this change also raises issues about how the party ties itself back to its traditional heartlands, particularly in regions most affected by public service reduction and economic stagnation.

Why in the UK voting patterns does age and education matter more than class?

Recent election results indicate a startling generational gap in voting behavior. Just 6% of 18–24 year olds supported the Conservative Party; this percentage increased to 36% among those 65 and over. Education follows a similar trend: compared to 25% of voters without A-levels, just 5% of university graduates endorsed Reform UK.

These figures amply illustrate how age and education are changing British politics in ways that conventional class theory cannot explain. Social values, educational experiences, and cultural attitudes are progressively forming people’s political opinions.

One big turning point was Brexit. It highlighted and intensified the divide of social liberals and conservatives, globalists and nationalists, the younger educated voter against older generations. Curtice points out that Brexit didn’t create this split but amplified an underlying undercurrent that’s now central to UK politics. Read another article on Reform UK Council Spending Reform

Why Is Electoral Reform Getting Increasing Support?

Public discontent with the UK’s voting system is another important change underlined in the poll. Most of the voters from all the main political parties agree on reform, for the first time in history. 60% of respondents overall think the system needs to be changed to give smaller parties more equitable representation.

This covers 56% of Liberal Democrats, 52% of Conservatives, and 55% of Labour followers. Of Green and Reform UK voters, 90% support reform for Green and 78% for Reform UK, respectively.

Curtice pointed out: “This was the most disproportional outcome in British electoral history.”

The sentiment captures more general dissatisfaction with a system that does not reflect the variety of political opinions of today. The demand for reform reflects a wish for a more responsive and inclusive political system that better expresses the breadth of current British views, as age and education are reshaping British politics.

How Are Public Services and Economic Conditions Affecting Political Trust?

Apart from voting patterns, the poll also shows mounting popular discontent with the condition of public services. Up from 25% in 2019, a record 59% of respondents now claim they are unhappy with the NHS. Just 21% of people are satisfied, which highlights issues with staffing, access, and delayed services.

Social care has not fared much better; discontent in this sector is at 53%. There is also increasing economic strain. Up from 16% before the epidemic, a record 26% of respondents report they are having trouble making ends meet. The proportion of individuals living comfortably has dropped from 50% to barely 35% concurrently.

Curtice links these results to the general declining confidence in leadership: “People who think they’re suffering on their money are less likely to trust politicians. People who believe the NHS is not performing also have less faith in the government.

Another way age and education are reshaping British politics is through a decline in trust. Younger and better-educated voters are more prone to demand from the institutions they depend on change, responsibility, and efficiency.

Still viable today, is the Traditional Two-Party System?

Labour’s general election in 2024 yielded a 174-seat majority. Experts disagree, nonetheless, that this number captures a general popular mandate. Rather, it draws attention to how the present voting system skews the power distribution.

Curtice said, “The majority is a creature of the electoral system, not a reflection of how people voted.”

Politicians’ credibility in the meantime is still at an all-time low. Voter turnout fell, and trust in political leaders—from all political parties—is degrading. Once crucial to British democracy, the two-party paradigm seems less suited to handle the several interests and concerns of the voters.

Research director Alex Scholes of NatCen said: “The political terrain is set for change. Still to be seen is whether public confidence and trust are restored from the outcome.

Finally, in what direction is British politics headed?

From voting behavior and party loyalty to public trust and policy demands, age and education are redefining British politics on every front as this extensive poll reveals. Class still counts, but it no longer dictates political outcomes.

Political parties and institutions have to change with this new reality if they are to be relevant. This entails modernizing out-of-date systems, addressing educational and financial inequalities, and listening to younger people. It will determine the course of British democracy going forward.