Liverpool Protestant Party

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The Liverpool Protestant Party (LPP) was a minor political party operating in the city of Liverpool in northwest England. It was formed by elements of the city's branch of the Orange Order. Traditionally the "orange vote" would go to the Conservatives but in 1903, the LPP was formed as a distinct party by George Wise. It contested four seats at the next municipal election, with three (including Wise) being successful.

It opposed the emergent socialist politics of the Labour movement and called for curbs on immigration into Great Britain from Catholic areas of Ireland. It also blamed Irish immigrants for unemployment, poor housing and high rates.

It primarily fought local government seats, but for a while did contest the Liverpool Kirkdale seat for Westminster elections (polling a quarter of the seat's vote in 1931). It had a number of councillors throughout their existence, even as late as the 1960s. It won its last seat in 1973 but activity was waning and as the "orange vote" subsided in influence the LPP found it harder to continue. In 1974 its members were invited to subsume themselves into the local Conservative Party, which they subsequently did.

The "orange vote" has not totally died in Liverpool. The Democratic Unionist Party has looked into the possibility of establishing a branch in Liverpool, possibly considering standing local government candidates there as well. Former members of the LPP have been involved with this attempt.

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