Blair as leader

Question 1

Blair’s background:

Answer 1

-privately educated + from a wealthy family
-didn’t join labour until he had graduated from law at oxford
-became an MP in 1983 when he won the labour safe seat of Sedgefield
-as a back bencher he was committed to centre-ground politics
-became shadow home secretary under smith in 1992
-won leadership election in 1992

Question 2

character as leader:

Answer 2

-very comfortable with the media and gave polished media performances
-performed well in the commons
-marketed himself as an ordinary person e.g. wore casual clothes, supported newcastle
-in touch with the people and could tap in well to the public mood e.g. 1997 ‘The People’s Princess’ speech
- after this he received a 97% approval rating

Question 3

ideology:

Answer 3

-the third way
-embraced conservative economic policy in many areas e.g. trade union reform, privatisation
-he had a tight control over the media to hide divisions within party (e.g. between blair and brown)

Question 4

5 key pledges:

Answer 4

1. education - cut class sizes
2. get 250,000 under 25s into work
3. cut NHS waiting lists
4. fast track punishments for persistent young offenders
5. ensure low inflation with tough rules on public spending

aimed to appease businesses