Heath As Leader Flashcards
What was Heaths background?
-educated at state schools
-different social background to Old Etonians who dominated cons party
What were his successes?
-felt 1970 victory enable him run strong govt
-committed to modernising Britain
-success secure Br membership of EEC
How was he perceived?
-rather stiff + prickly in dealing with people
-not seen as devious or interested in plots + intrigue unlike Wilson
-colleagues regarded him as too honest for his own good
-not skilful enough in pleasing political allies
How was Heath concerning policies?
-good at policies but not politics
-well prepared for govt — spent time in opposition creating detailed policies esp. on industrial relations + economic modernisation
Why did backbenchers force a leadership contest?
-after economic + industrial problems of 1979-74
-after election defeats 1974
Who was Heath’s key challenger?
-Margaret Thatcher
-beat Heath 1975
Key features of Thatcher?
-policies on the right of Heath
-sympathetic to monetarist + free market policies put forward by Powell + Keith Joseph
Why did Heath lose leadership election?
-inability win over doubters
-not good at Schmoozing (talking friendly)
-his reputation took battering from Thatcherism supporters
Why did Thatcher win?
-people supported her as non one else
-Powell left cons + Keith made controversial speech when raised concerns over certain sections of society having children
-she exploited the sense things going badly wrong for party + country
What are some advantages of Heath?
-success gaining Br EEC membership
-different social background to Old Etonians
-well prepared for gov + experience with policies
What are some disadvantages of Heath?
-not as devious as Wilson
-stiff + prickly
-too honest for own good
-not good at politics - not skilful politician
