The Stark Choice Facing Voters in May: If Westeros Was Westminister

A lot has happened over the past five years in British politics. And in the same period, a lot has unfolded in the past four series of “Game of Thrones.” But ahead of this year’s General Election, how would UK politics look in Westeros—or Westerminster, if you will? Let’s embark on this magical who’s who.

The Lannisters – Obviously the Tories

As the saying goes, “The Tories always pay their debts”—well, in this case, the deficit. Yet, there’s a bit of unrest within the party. Rumblings about leadership and potential successors are rife. However, at the end of the day, they’re still the most powerful house in Westerminster. It’s all theirs to lose.

The Targaryens – Labour

Ed Miliband: Mother of Dragons, freer of slaves. Khaleesi! Ok, maybe not… but Ed was exiled from the Kingdom and wants to reclaim his place. He’s the main challenger on the horizon for the Tories, but he faces his own trials. His territories (Scotland) are under threat, his dragons (his party) have been unruly, and voters question his leadership. Can he overcome this and take back the Iron Throne?

The Starks – Liberal Democrats

The Lib Dems made a deal with the Tories, but it hasn’t been beneficial for them. Members of their house linger around Westerminster causing trouble, but they’re at risk of losing significant influence if they don’t rally soon.

The Dragonstone Baratheons – UKIP

They don’t currently have the largest kingdom, or the most support, but they’re a formidable challenge to the establishment. It’s a metaphor, you see. Melisandre, like UKIP, claims to represent something different from what we’re accustomed to in Westerminster. Do you believe her message?

House Tyrell – The Greens

The Tyrells are a bit quiet at the moment, but they’re plotting something. They’re from The Reach, a beautiful land of flowers ideal for farming, and The Greens are all thumbs up about the environment.

The Wildlings – SNP

The threat from beyond the (Hadrian’s) Wall! The last series ended with the Wildlings planning their conquest of the north. Will they succeed this series? Will the SNP perform as well as some expect in the election? Time will tell, but winter is certainly coming.

The Freys – Plaid Cymru

Certainly not out of ideas, but the Freys have that toll bridge, and you have to pay a toll to get over the Severn Bridge, right?

There might not be dragons in our Westerminster, and the weather may not always be as favorable as in Kings Landing, but there’s still plenty to be excited about, and it’s all to play for.

You have until April 20th to register to vote.

Before you go off to register to vote, let’s leave you with wise words from the master of whisperers, Lord Varys…

With polling day just around the corner, you have the power to #swingthevote.