party politics

American  

noun

(usually used with a singular verb)

1. politics based on strict adherence to the policies and principles of a political party regardless of the public interest; partisan loyalism.

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party politics British  

plural noun

1. politics conducted through, by, or for parties, as opposed to other interests or the public good

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Etymology

Origin of party politics

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

Defeat "will pose enormous problems for the party," politics expert Laura McAllister of Cardiff University told AFP.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

Vance shrugged off the chats, characterizing them as idle conversations by college students—despite Politico’s reporting that “many of the chat members already work inside government or party politics, and one serves as a state senator.”

From Slate • Oct. 15, 2025

Mr Fisker of the Danish Cancer Society argues that the usual cut-and-thrust of party politics needs to be set aside.

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2025

Asked whether he had any other political ambitions after his mayoral term has ended, he replied: "I have no interest to be an MP. I have no interest to level myself up through party politics."

From BBC • Aug. 15, 2025

Personally, I have little feeling, and my book will be absolutely free of party politics.

From The Eulogy of Richard Jefferies by Besant, Walter, Sir