Resumen de How Does the Strength of the Far Right Affect Ethnic Minority Political Behaviour?

Nicole S. Martin

• This article considers how the far right affects ethnic minority vote choice and party evaluations, using the case of the British National Party (BNP). Minorities were more likely to vote for Labour in 2010 where the BNP received more votes, and a quasi-experimental increase in the BNP’s salience also increased support for Labour. However, ethnic minority voters evaluated the Conservatives more positively when the BNP put forward a candidate or received more votes. The strength of the far right may mobilise and reinforce traditional partisan loyalties among minorities, while changing perceptions of traditionally unpopular—but mainstream—alternatives.