The Conservative Election Victory

Question 1

What were majors key values + ideology?

Answer 1

-classes society
-consensus policies
-‘build a country that is at ease with itself,…confident,…able + willing build a better quality of life for all to citizens’

Question 2

When did major call the election?

Answer 2

-march 1992 at last possible moment before end 5 yr term
-opinion polls placed cons at 29% - with lab ahead on 41%

Question 3

How did major campaign during this election

Answer 3

-old fashioned soap box politics - spontaneous speeches around UK with crowds
-voters liked this way as really connected with major

Question 4

How did cons win

Answer 4

-7.6% lead in opinion polls + slim 21 seat majority which created difficulties down the line as more vulnerable to backbench rebellions

Question 5

Why did lab lose

Answer 5

-many expected Lab victory as beginning of gen elec
-but major better alternative to Kinnock + Lab not seem reformed enough with memories of 80s + loony left prevalent

Question 6

How did major seek to improve public opinion of him

Answer 6

-spoke of his desire for ‘classless society’ softening harsh tone of Thatcherism + address some negative social implications of her policies

Question 7

What was the impact of the swing voters

Answer 7

-many swing/floating voters preferred his reassuring tone to lab uncertainty message
-major subsequently received largest no. votes for winning party at any post war elec - 14m