Social Democratic Party

The Social Democratic Party is a centre-left political party in Atlantis. Growing out of the dissolution of the Democratic Labour Party, the SDP encompasses a diversity of ideological trends from strongly socialist to moderate social democratic.

Founded in 2016, the Social Democratic Party overtook the National Party of Atlantis as the main opposition to the Atlantean Liberal Party.

Having won 172 seats in the 2016 General Election, struggles within the DLP, including the defection of John Maynard, resulted in its disbandaning. The Social Democratic Party were left with 97 seats and is the current Official Opposition

The Social Democratic Party is a full member of the Progressive Alliance as well as Socialist International. On 18 March 2016, Harry Gold was elected Leader of the Social Democratic Party.

Founding
The Social Democratic Party's origins lie in the early 21th century, when it became apparent that there was a need for a new political party to represent the interests and needs of the urban proletariat, a demographic which had increased in number. Some members of the trades union movement became interested in moving into the political field, this resulted in the formation of the Democratic Labour Party. Following the 2016 General Election, DLP candidate, John Maynard, became Prime Minister and formed the first DLP cabinet.

However, Harry Gold launched an attack on the Government budget that is widely thought to have led to the defection of John Maynard. He said it was not good enough for the Atlantean people. Within the hour, Maynard had defected to the Liberals and resigned as PM, taking many senators with him, giving the Liberals enough for a minority Government, launching the DLP in to opposition. The DLP decided to disband and become to SDP, with Harry standing to lead the new party. He became leader at midnight the same day, unopposed.

Ideology
The Social Democratic Party is considered to be left of centre. It was initially formed as a means for the trade union movement to establish political representation for itself in the Senate.

The party desires increased rights for workers, and a welfare state including publicly funded healthcare.

Leaders of the Social Democratic Party since 2016

 * Samuel Furlong, 2016 (acting)


 * Harry Gold, 2016-present

Deputy Leaders of the Social Democratic Party since 2016

 * Reece Lingard, 2016

Notable Former Members

 * Ex-Deputy Leader Reece Lingard

Official Opposition
The Social Democratic Party is the current Official Opposition, holding the second-largest number of seats. The list of Shadow Cabinet members can be found here.