How far was John Major personally responsible for demise of the Conservative Party in 1997? Flashcards
1
Q
Role of John Major
A
- Portrayed as dull and boring
- Back to basics campaign
- Divided with Chancellor due to Black Wednesday (weakness shown).
- Not pulling out of ERM until last minute - indecisive.
- Maastrichts Treaty - divided the party - back me or sack me (people didn’t want general election) - rebel mps had to get behind - divisions continued which made him look weak - had 2 opt outs: single currency or the social chapter.
- Uncensored opinions leaked.
2
Q
Factors outside of his control
A
- Scandals.
- Media, satire - Bremnar satiresed Major as weak.
- Inherited economic crisis.
- Strength of Labour Party e.g. Blair, restructuring abandoned Clause IV.
- 18 years of tory rule - no feel good factor, time for change.
- Throughout 1990 - 1997 government has small majority - had to do deals with minority parties.
- Government already lost by elections
