Labour Party in the 1990's

Question 1

What were Labour’s main problems 1979-1992?

Answer 1

• Between 1979- 1992 Labour lost 4 elections in a row
• Winter of Discontent, strikes, the party had become more socialist, poor campaign by Neil Kinnock damaged Labour’s reputation as a government policy
• View Labour had strong links with trade unions stayed with them for the next 13 years

Question 2

How did the Labour Party change under Neil Kinnock (1983-1992)

Answer 2

• Kinnock made the Labour Party far more mainstream and electable.
• After the 1987 election defeat, Kinnock sought to modernise the party further - party became more professional and organised and better in its presentation and spin.
• Kinnock signalled a split with the trade unions by ending the Labour Party’s support for ‘closed shop’ union agreements by 1989.
• Kinnock lost the 1992 election, he resigned immediately after the 1992 election defeat
• ‘Closed shop’ = supporting the same union
• left party stronger
• Policy review completed by 1988, ditched much if the controversial 1983 manifesto including the rise in taxation on high incomes, unilateral nuclear disarmament, withdrawal from EEC.

Question 3

How did the Labour Party change under John Smith (1992-1994)

Answer 3

• He was seen as serious and competent and a leader who could be trusted on the economy.
• Smith continued to modernise the Party.
• He moved to abolish the trade union block vote by introducing One Member; One Vote (OMOV) for parliamentary candidates in 1993.
• Smith died of a heart attack in 1994, at the age of 51
• Was good performer on TV and excellent in House of Commons.
• Gave Labour an image of compromise and modernisation + competence
• Smith was wary of extending OMOV to conference motions that decided Labour Policy. Still gave trade unions great power and fustreated moderniser like Blair

Question 4

How did the Labour Party change under Blair (1994-2007)

Answer 4

• Centralised the party even further - abandoned Clause IV and doesn’t get rid of any Conservative Trade Union legislation
• Wanted to further remodel the Labour brand - made it more centrist and appeal to middle class voters who had been more wary.
• Re brands the Labour Party as ‘New Labour’ to emphasise changes - nationalisation would be abandoned - capitalism would be safe in Labour hands - legal restriction on trade unions would stay
• Wanted to do some things as Conservatives, only more effectively

Question 5

How did the Labour Party change under Blair (1994-2007)

Answer 5

• Centralised the party even further - abandoned Clause IV and doesn’t get rid of any Conservative Trade Union legislation
• Wanted to further remodel the Labour brand - made it more centrist and appeal to middle class voters who had been more wary.
• Re brands the Labour Party as ‘New Labour’ to emphasise changes - nationalisation would be abandoned - capitalism would be safe in Labour hands - legal restriction on trade unions would stay
• Wanted to do some things as Conservatives, only more effectively

Question 6

Timeline review

Answer 6

• Labour reforms - no longer a socialist party no more
• Blair was an excellent communicator, effective at presenting an air of moderation - more youthful and attractive alternative to conservatism
• Labour’s spin machine and discipline ‘on message’ approach was very effective at dealing with the press and the media
• Creation of a pledge card - 5 promises and contained essence of New Labour, a greater commitment to funding public services, keeping low tax rates
• 1997 - electoral system favored Blair, election results also indicated a widespread of tactical voting
• Impact of Smith and Kinnock in helping Blair modernise, not working from scratch