3.8 The 1974 Elections Flashcards
Why did Maudling have to resign in 1972?
His involvement with John Poulson (jailed architect) came to light
Why were Lords Jellico and Lambton forced to resign?
Being implicated in sexual scandal with London prostitutes
Who was a constant critic of the Conservative cabinet?
Enoch Powell
Who rarely inspired confidence at the Treasury?
Barber
Prices and wages rose fast which promoted what?
Rapidly rising inflation and the devotion of resources to consumers rather than building up economic infrastructure
What were the Labour Party like by the 1974 election?
In extreme disarray
What caused division in the Labour Party?
The bomb, industrial relations, Celtic devolution, public ownership, and on Europe
Why did Conservative support slip?
Economic weaknesses
Who was Jeremy Thorpe?
Leader of the Liberal Party between 1967 to 1976
What percentage of the votes did Thorpe and the Lib Dems get?
19%
Why was the Lib Dem share of votes hopeful for Heath?
He approached Thorpe about the possibility of a coalition
What did Thorpe say to Heath’s proposition for a coalition?
No
How many seats did Labour get?
301
How many seats did the Conservatives get?
297
How many seats did the Lib Dems get?
14
When does Wilson call a second election for?
October 1974
How many seats did Labour get in the October 1974 election?
319
How many more seats did Labour have than Conservative in October 1974?
42 but only an overall majority of 3
What did Wilson tell Donoughue after Labour’s October 1974 win?
There would be no presidential nonsense and no beer and sandwiches to solve industrial disputes
Who was Donoughue?
Head of Downing Street Policy Unit
