The House of Commons

The House of Commons consists of 651 Members of Parliament (MPs) directly elected by voters in each of Britain's 651 parliamentary constituencies. At present there are 62 women, three Asian and three black MPs. Of the 651 seats, 524 are for England, 38 for Wales, 72 for Scotland and 17 for Northern Ireland.

Labour  416

Conservative  161

Liberal Democrats  46

Ulster Unionists  10

Scottish National Party  6

Plaid Cymru  4

Social Democratic & Labour Party  3

Ulster Democratic Unionist Party  2

Sinn Fein  (Have not taken their seats)  2

United Kingdom Unionist  1

Independent  1

Scottish Labour  1

Member of Parliament for Falkirk West  1

The Speaker and 3 Deputies  (Do not normally vote)  4

Vacant Seat  (Kensington and Chelsea) 1

TOTAL  659

Government majority - 178

Number of seats won by each party at the General Election 1 May 1997

Labour  418

Conservative  165

Liberal Democrats  46

Ulster Unionists  10

Scottish National Party  6

Plaid Cymru  4

Social Democratic & Labour Party  3

Ulster Democratic Unionist Party  2

Sinn Fein  2

United Kingdom Unionist  1

Independent  1

The Speaker  (Stands as "Speaker seeking re-election")  1

TOTAL  659

Government majority - 177