To what extent are the major parties internally divided over policies and ideas (25 marks)

Divisions in the Conservatives are over policies such as:

• The issues of the EU:
  • as the Eurosceptics were a minority division, but over the last 20 years, this group has come into ascendency.
• Legacy of Thatcher and Thatcherism:
  • whether to further advance or to reduce the commitment of the party of those ideals.
• The Tory Reform Group are a division because:
  • they champion the cause of 'one-nationism' and are hesitent to follow the rugged individualism supported by the Thatcherite element.

The divisions within the Labour Party are:

• Difference between Old and New Labour;
  • Old Labour represented the original ideas with a commitment to the working class and a distinct approach to capitalism, but they have declined since 1983's loss to Thatcher.
• There is a split relationship with trade unions;
  • Some think the link with trade unions are crucial and underpins the ethos of the party.
  • Whereas others see the link as damaging and limiting.