1979 Election

Question 1

Name 5 reasons why Labour lost the 1979 election

Answer 1

Economy 
Winter of Discontent
Media
Conservative policies 
Last minute mistake

Question 2

How was economy at the time of the election? (2 main statistics)

Answer 2

Percentage of unemployed went from 2.6% in 1970 to 6.2% in 1977
Inflation went from 5.2% in the late 60s but by 1975 it had risen to 27%

Question 3

What was arguably the biggest cause?

Answer 3

The Winter of Discontent - view statistics from Callaghan. Binmen and other trade unions went on strike and it cast a bad memory in the public’s mind.

Question 4

How did the media affect the 1979 election?

Answer 4

Thatcher provided great photo opportunities - cuddling newborn animals or sipping tea in a supermarket - seemed stable unlike winter of discontent - had press like the sun, the mail and the Times

Question 5

What was appealing about conservative policies?

Answer 5

They planned on being tough on trade unions, reducing government spending and wanted to be the party of law and order to contrast with Labour chaos.

Question 6

What was Callaghan’s last minute mistake?

Answer 6

Callaghan was in a much more comfortable position in mid 1978 and could’ve called the election then but decided not to due to the ‘Labour’s not working’ posters the Conservatives were putting out. After this came the winter of discontent and then a vote of no confidence which forced an election - this made him look weak.

Question 7

What were the results of the 1979 election?

Answer 7

There was a Tory majority of 44 - they won 62 more seats and Labour lost 50