Transformation of the Role of Third and Minor Parties in the Political and Party System of Great Britain in 2010-2022

In the period under review, several significant events took place that resulted in a broad socio-political crisis in British politics. General elections were held four times including two snap elections. Withdrawal of the UK from the EU was one of the main issues that divided both society and political elite. The main struggle was traditionally been between Conservative and Labour party. However, in the context of turbulence in the political life, the role of third and minor parties has also changed, which until recently often remained outside the focus of analyses of British politics. The article examines specific features of the transformation of third and minor parties' role in the UK party-political system in 2010-2022. It focuses on the causes and consequences of the formation of a coalition government of the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats in 2010, as well as the impact of Brexit on the position and politics of third and minor parties in the country. The research is limited to the analysis of the role of the Liberal Democrats, the UK Independence Party, the Scottish National Party and the Democratic Unionist Party. The author concludes that the role of third and minor parties in the British party system has been constantly changing. Initially it grew, episodically exerting a significant influence on the country's politics but Conservative party seems to dominate political life despite the intra-party struggle.