1964-70: The end of the post-war consensus and the loss of the 1970 election

Question 1

What signs were there that the post-war consensus was breaking down?

Answer 1

• Britain’s economic problems did not seem to have been solved by consensus policies.
• Trade unions were seemingly more uncooperative forcing even the Labour party to try and reform industrial relations
• Left of Labour therefore unhappy
• Social problems and poverty had not ended.

Question 2

What was the Conservative Party’s view on the consensus?

Answer 2

They were also starting to doubt the efficiency of the key elements of the post-war consensus.

Question 3

What did the Conservatives identify the need for?

Answer 3

Trade reform. They questioned whether the State should take as great a role in planning the economy and ensuring full employment.

Question 4

What were the Left of the Labour Party dissatisfied with?

Answer 4

The moderate consensus policies. Social problems and poverty had not been ended.

Question 5

Why was Conservative victory in 1970 a surprise?

Answer 5

• The Wilson government had apparently come through its difficult times.
• Jenkins was credited with achieving economic and financial stability.
• Wilson was considered to be a master campaigner, more experienced and popular than Heath.

Question 6

Describe the strengths Heath had that he was not credited for.

Answer 6

Heath was hard working, conscientious and had an image of competence, even if he was perceived as ‘dull’.

Question 7

What other reasons were there for Conservative victory?

Answer 7

• Wilson’s government had suffered a series of setbacks and real or perceived failures.
• In 1968 Enoch Powell made his famous ‘rivers of blood’ speech which 75% of the population agreed with.

Question 8

Why did new Conservative ideas gain support?

Answer 8

Concern that the post-war consensus was not working.