I've often thought that the Left/Right division was due to Charles II ordering Whigs to sit on his left and Tories on his right. on reviewing historical references for this thread I've learned that Whigs and Tories weren't socialist or conservative but a mix of political opinions but the uniting principle was related to the powers afforded the monarch.
the real origin was post the French Revolution. 1788.
this arbitrary division is what has caused more conflict between political positions and ideologies that have hamstring parliaments around the world.
its time we dispensed with the division and enabled all MPs to vote a) according to conscience, b) according to the views of the electorate, and c) voting for the highest degree of national interest.
the principle I'd like to see is that which is good for the most people is best for the nation as a whole. removal of the division, ditching the parties, would enable non-combative debate, i.e.; not about power play, point scoring or personal ambition, and inclusion of wider range of opinion with cabinet members selected for their expertise rather than party compliance with ideology.
