Political parties- Labour Flashcards
How did Labour form? and who was the first Labour prime minister?
When working men started to get the vote they needed a party to cater towards their needs
-Kier Hardier in 1892 a former miner
What is clause IV(4) before new labour?
To provide a clear commitment to public ownership of key industries and redistribution of wealth
Why did Tony Blair turn labour round?
Michael Foot’s manifesto was believed to be too left wing - longest suicide note in history
Wanted to attract more right wing voters so changed party from original values
What is tony blair’s third way?
A mix of capitalism and socialism
doesn’t really o equality but ensures everyone they have a place in society
What are the key belifs of old labour?
Collectivism- bringing people together
Minamalising differences by taxation and redistributing wealth
-Equal acsess to pupil service
How did clause 4 change after Tony Blair?
Changing from equality to outcome to oppurunity
More dynamic economys
High investevenst in public services
What are old labours values?
-Universal welfare
-Interventionalist/state controll
-help the w/c
-High taxation
-fovours public secetor
-idelogical (sociolism)
-wealth redistriuton and collectivsm
New labours core values?
-targeted welfare
-catch all party
-low tax
-pragmatic
-market economy
-public and private partnership
New labour and old labour same values?
equality of opportunity
equal rights
anti discrimination
mixed economy
social justice
welfare state
regulation
When do modernisation of the labour party occur?
1990
Neil Kinnox way of modernising party?
Reduced use of trade union
open democratic structure
removed marxist/communist ideologys
changed logo from red flag to a red rose
John smiths way of modernising party?
Changing party from having a block vote to one member one vote thats still used today
How did Tony Blair ultimately modernise party?
Third way- mix of capatalsim and socialism
Best Thatcherite elements mixed with social justice
How do party leaders get elected?
Candidates must receive nominations from 20% MPs
5% CLP (constituents labour party)
5% of affiliate members e.g 2 trade unions
Ed Miliband created a rule in which you can pay £3 to be apart of the party to qualify to vote in leadership electonships
Candidates then voted by using OMOV by alternative vote and winning candidate must be backed by 50% of first preference
Why did Corbyn get elected in the leadership elections?
you get to pay £3 to be a member, meaning opposing parties e.g. conservatives voted the weakest opponent which was Corbyn due to being so left wing in order to destroy the party
Communists also voted Corbyn as he resignated with his views
Why can it be said trade unions have too much influence in electing a party leader compared to members?
Many favoured MPs from members didn’t make it through as there wasn’t enough trade union support
e.g. Emily Thornberry and Jess Phillips
Why can the labour leadership election cause conflict between deputy and leader?
Because both leader and deputy’s where candidates to be party leaders in the elections
As Well they are elected separately so therefore aren’t necessarily allies e.g. Corbyn and Watson vs Starmer and Rayner
Why is labour thought to be more democratic than conservative in leadership elections?
They use a voting system
have to be backed 50% of 1st preference
20% of MPs must back you
Candidates must be nominated by all parts of party
Case study-Labour leadership election 2015
resignation of Ed Miliband
-Jeremy Corbyn added to shortlist of 4
-Ed Miliband changed rules so you could pay £3 to be a member
-Causing the telegraphy to encourage conservatives to join Labour and vote for Corbyn (#toriesforcorbyn)
-And communists
-Corbyn won on first ballot by 59.5%
Activity’s labour grass root/ordinary members do?
-Subscribing, fundraisers, canvassing, election say, volunteering, promotion, local branch, committee meetings and Advertising
What roles do ordinary members have in selecting leader?
Can cast a vote in the one member one vote ballot to choose candidate on short list as well as the deputy member
Ordinary members involvement in selecting parliamentary candidates?
Hopeful’s apply
Local party draws up shortlist and constituency members bote in person at local meetings or by postal ballot
Ordinary members involvement at conference and importance of conference?
All members attend
The conferences is sovereign and all policy decisions have to be approved by the conference
Ordinary members involvement in manifesto and policy making?
Manifesto produced by party conference and all members get a vote on policy
