Realignment of the Labour party Flashcards
describe how Kinnock, 1983-1987, prompted Labour to move towards the middle ground:
-change to party organisation - party became more professional in its presentation with the help of Mandelson who was Director of Communications
-john smith was made chancellor - image of moderation and competence
-ditched old promises e.g. EEC withdrawal and unilateral disarmament
-split with TUs - no longer supported closed shop union agreements from 1989
-positive press coverage of how he dealt with militant tendency
however what were some issues with Kinnock:
-he worried the left of the party
-some blamed hum for 1992 election loss as lots of the public could not see him as PM
-the sun headline was very damming
how did Smith as leader, 1992-1994, help improve Labour’s credibility?
-popular and well respected in westminster
-calm and reassuring political style
-trustworthy with economy
-abolished trade union block vote with One Member One Vote in 1993
-skilful performer on TV
-died aged 55
describe how Blair as leader, 1994-1997, further boosted Labour’s image:
-worked with Brown to ensure the party seemed new, united and progressive
-he was typical of the middle england he wanted to win over - privately educated, went to oxford etc
-dramatic shift in policy e.g. abolishing clause IV
-ensured labour wasn’t seen as the ‘tax and spend’ party - promised to follow Conservatives’ spending plans
-attracted women and young voters with all women shortlists
-party appeared fresh, especially compared to Major’s gov. of sleaze and scandal
describe the ‘third way’/ new labour:
-social democracy and a welfare state but with a free market
-dramatic policy shift - abolished clause IV, wanted to drop socialist ideals in response to collapse of communism
1997 Labour election campaign:
-Things can only get better theme song - modern
-they had a pledge card with 5 key promises, designed to attract a wide range of voters
