comma before 'but' [conjunction]: no longer a party of ideas, but a

[Eugeeen]

I know that commas are used to many things. One of them is to express contrast, even when there are no independent clauses.
But my question is this: Should this sentence have a comma between "ideas" and "but" or not? Why?



Sentence: No longer is the party a party of ideas, but a party which has shunned intellectuals in exchange for votes.


Thanks for you help

 

[Copyright]

Commas are often used where you want a brief pause... like the teeny-tiny drumroll that is an effective introduction to your second clause.

No longer is the party a party of ideas [dramatic pause for effect] but a party which has shunned intellectuals in exchanges for votes.

 

[Eugeeen]

Thanks for your quick answer!

 

[panjandrum]

Without a comma, the but and what follows are still part of what the party is no longer.