On spatial inequality,
The UK is a very unequal economy, but the places that traol (big cities except London) are not politically valuable.
The UK is quite unequal in living standards, but the places that trail (inner big cities especially London) are not politically valuable.

UK elections are decided in small and smallish towns. Nuneaton innit. Which is why they are pampered by politicians and one reason why they have stronger economies than their equivalents in most of the rest of the world.

This may be a good thing. I'm not convinced myself, but if you made me argue that it is, that the function of FPTP whereby it is the median place and not the average voter that matters, I reckon I'd be quite convincing.

I can similarly give a very good argument for the US electoral college. (while believing that the French presidential electoral system is better, if you're going to have a very powerful president).