During its history, the United Kingdom (and previously the Kingdom of England, Kingdom of Scotland and Kingdom of Ireland) has seen many families who have repeatedly produced notable politicians, and consequently such families have had a significant impact on politics in the British Isles.
Certain families, such as the Cecils, owe their long-standing political influence to the composition and role of the House of Lords, which was still mainly composed of hereditary legislators until the passing of the House of Lords Act 1999. Other families, such as the Longs, have had a long tradition of standing for elected office, usually in the House of Commons. Many such families were part of the landed gentry, who often exerted political control in a certain locality over many generations.
Main article: Asquith family |
Main article: Bonham Carter family |
See also: Category:Cavendish family |
Main article: Cope family |
Additionally, James Goldsmith's daughter Jemima Goldsmith married Imran Khan, former prime minister of Pakistan.
Eddie McAteer, one-time leader of the Nationalist Party, was the brother of Hugh McAteer, a Sinn Féin and IRA activist, and the father of Fergus McAteer, a leader of the Irish Independence Party
Main article: McNair-Wilson |
Robert Overend, Vanguard Unionist member of the Northern Ireland Constitutional Convention
Three prominent political dynasties of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, interrelated through several marriages.