Reasons for conservative failure and labour victory 1964 Flashcards
Scandals
Most recent scandal being the profumo scandal, profumo the Minister of War, eventually tendered his resignation due to lying in the House of Commons about his affair with Christine Keeler, Macmillan’s handling of the situation was criticised for being out of touch; Keeler may have been simultaneously involved with Captain Ivanov, a Soviet naval attaché, thereby creating a possible national security risk
Satire
Satire BOOM 💥 increased satire in 50’s and 60’s with the establishment and how out of touch certain political figures were,namley of Macmillan who was a constant target of satirist
satirists like Peter cook and the private eye
decline in deference
establishment and political figures were not above scrutiny or ridicule
Stagflations
The conservatives approach to the economy did not result in long term economic growth- stop go economics
give away budgets before elections tended to overstimulate the economy resulting in the need of deflationary methods which stagnated growth and this made the Uk’s economic growth further afield from other western economies
The special relationship
Close ties with the US were the main reason for ECC rejection by De Gualle who believed Britain was not committed enough to Europe. Also ties with commonwealth countries
Wilsons leadership
He appeared good on Tv which made him seem more in touch compared to Holme
He gave the image that he was a normal person for example Gannex coat, a Cigar instead of a cigarette and beer instead of wine or champagne
Also really quick to criticise conservatives during PM questions
How did Wilson unite the party
He united the labour party on the basis of modernising Britain and the ‘white heat’ which distracted from other issues like Clause IV
1964 Election
The appointment of Sir Alec Douglas Holme
seen as undemocratic as he was appointed on the basis of soundings and consultations , seemed unfair and out of touch
where as Labour held elections in 1963
Holme
Was seen as out of touch and aristocratic like Macmillan who became a target for Labour satirists, with him being characterised as ‘hunting’ , ‘fishing’ ‘shooting’ ‘aristocrat’
Result
Labour only won by a marginal percentage only 4 seats which means they were in a precarious position
but the 1966 election, in which Wilson wanted to extend his majority and won over a majority of 110 seats
