Ian Duncan Smith 2001-2003 Flashcards
Why was Kenneth Clarke popular and unpopular?
Popular - success as Chancellor between 1992 and 1997. Was also down to earth (jazz whiskey).
Unpopular - viewed with suspicion by many Conservatives because of his European views, particularly after appearing with Blair at a pro-European event in 1999.
Why was Michael Portillo popular and unpopular?
Popular - still a strong Eurosceptic. He had reinvented himself as a social liberal and promised to make the party more modern and inclusive.
Unpopular - his liberalism was unpopular with many traditional tories.
When did Smith win the tory election?
2001 - but had little charisma and was no match for Blair. The Conservatives remained behind in the opinion polls.
How did Smith make some efforts to show compassionate conservatism?
He visited the deprived Easterhouse estate in Glasgow- this convinced him that the Tories had to do more to tackle poverty.
However, despite Smith’s attempt at compassionate conservatism, what was the Conservative Party really like?
Socially Conservative - voting against both the repeal of Section 28 and against allowing unmarried couples to adopt.
How did these social issues demonstrate division in the Party?
Modernisers such as David Cameron and George Osborne refused to follow the party line.
What made it difficult for the Conservative to attack Labour?
Duncan Smith supported British entry into Iraq. This was an unpopular decision especially as the war dragged on.
