Case studies

Question 1

Summary of 1997 general election:

Answer 1

The 1997 election ( held on the 1st of May) result saw a landslide Labour victory after 18 years of conservative leadership. The Labour party secured 418 seats while the conservatives gained only 165. Around 10.2% of the electorate shifted their vote from conservative to Labour in this election compared to the 1992 general election.

Question 2

New Labour in the 1997 general election:

Answer 2

New Labour was an ideological shift of the Labour party, first led by Tony Blair and comprised several key elements: the abandonment of nationalisation, legal restrictions on unions and no mention of socialism.

Question 3

What was economic policy like under New Labour?

Answer 3

Anti- inflammatory, limited government spending. Kept restrictions on trade unions and made little effort to undo the privatisation of industry. Desire to create a ‘stake-holder’ society, where everyone has government-protected investments and pensions.

Question 4

What was foreign policy like under New Labour?

Answer 4

Closer ties with Europe as well as maintaining a ‘special relationship’ with the USA.

Question 5

What was domestic policy like under New Labour?

Answer 5

Committed to devolution for Scotland and Wales.