1997 General Election Flashcards
How did governing competence influence the results?
John Major’s govt was seen as incompetent - divided of Europe and associated with sleaze and corruption
The govt losts its reputation for economic competence after abandoning the European exchange rate (ERM) on Black Wednesday
Slow response to mad cow disease
Claims that ministers had colluded in the sale of arms to Iraq
Disunited party
How did ledership affect the results?
Tony Blair youthful energy and charisma contrast to the unpoular Major
What campaign did Labour run?
Alastair Campbell disciplined showcased Blair as youthful, progressive and centrist
1997 Labour’s pledge card to persuade voters that Lab could be trusted after 18 years in opposition. Keep this card and see that we keep our promises - cut class sizes, fast track punishment for young offenders, cut NHS waiting lists
Lab party election broadcasts optimistic and inspiring - campaign song Things can only get better reached out beyond Labours core vote
New Labour New Life for Britain
What was the Labour manifesto?
Dramatic constituitional reform
Devolution
Reform of the House of Lords
Labour won seats than would have gone t the Libs or SNP
What was unusual about Labours media support?
They had support of the Sun (circulation with 4 million)
Rarely sun switched to Labour when Labout hd a lead in the polls
What was the result for Labour?
418 seats, 43.2% of the vote
145 seats gained
Swing of 8.8% of the voters
What were the results for the Tories?
165 seats
30.7% of the vote
loss of 178 seats
lNegative swing of 11.2% of the vote
What social factors were involved?
ABCI /middle class voters swung to Labour and helped them secure their landslide victory
Women voted Labour and had a higher turnout than men
Over 65s voted Labour showing a shift in voting patterns of the elderly population
