🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Politics & Democracy
Broadly yes — United Kingdom scores 68.9 on the V-Dem liberal democracy index (0–100 scale), placing it among functioning democracies, though with weaker liberal safeguards than the top-ranked states.
Current leaders
Charles III
Head of State
Andy Burnham
Head of Government · Labour Party
Democracy trend
Upcoming elections
2026 Manchester City Council by-election in Burnage
2026-09-10T00:00:00Z2027 United Kingdom local elections
2027-05-06T00:00:00Z2028 Hampshire and the Solent mayoral election
2028-05-01T00:00:00Z2028 London mayoral election
2028-05-01T00:00:00Z2028 Greater Manchester mayoral election
2028-05-04T00:00:00Z2028 Norfolk and Suffolk mayoral election
2028-05-04T00:00:00Z2028 Greater Essex mayoral election
2028-05-04T00:00:00Z2028 Sussex and Brighton mayoral election
2028-05-04T00:00:00Z2028 United Kingdom local elections
2028-05-04T00:00:00Z2028 English mayoral elections
2028-05-04T00:00:00ZVoting alignment
United Kingdom's closest UN General Assembly voting partners since 1946:
Frequently asked questions
Is United Kingdom a democracy?
Broadly yes — United Kingdom scores 68.9 on the V-Dem liberal democracy index (0–100 scale), placing it among functioning democracies, though with weaker liberal safeguards than the top-ranked states. It ranks #30 of 179 countries in 2025.
Is democracy in United Kingdom improving or declining?
United Kingdom's V-Dem liberal democracy score has declined by 9.9 points over the past decade, standing at 68.9 in 2025 (1-year change: −6.1).
Who leads United Kingdom?
Charles III is United Kingdom's head of state; Andy Burnham serves as head of government (Labour Party).
When is the next election in United Kingdom?
2026 Manchester City Council by-election in Burnage is scheduled for 2026-09-10T00:00:00Z.