the loss of the 1970 election Flashcards
in some ways victory of conservatives in 1970 election seemed to be
a surprise
the Wilson government had
apparently come through its difficult times
jenkins was credited with achieving
financial and economic stability
wilson considered to be
a master campaigner, far more experienced + popular than conservative leader, Heath
beneath the surfact, Heath had greater strengths than he was given credit for and
Labour’s position in 1970 was actually quite fragile
Heath
-hard-working, conscientious and had an image of competence even if perceived as dull
between 1966-69 Wilson’s government suffered
a series of setbacks and real or perceived failures
in 1968 Enoch Powell made his famous ‘rivers of blood’ speech which
warned against further immigration
Although Heath sacked Enoch Powell from?
what did some people still belive?
the shadow cabinet in 1968
+ refused to let Powell take part in the election campaign
-some people believed that Powell did make voters more likely to vote for conservative
others belived that Heath’s actions made him appear
strong and principled
what also meant that the conservatives’ new ideas gained support
concern that the post-war consensus was not working
special polls in key marginal constituencies showed
a narrow Tory lead
Edward Heath told anyone in his party who would listen to him that
he was confident of winning
Wilson seemed to be in a more favourable position by 1970 due to
the success of Roy Jenkins’ budget cuts and deflationary measures.
Wilson’s loss can be attributed to several factors
(promises)
First, Labour supporters and the public had grown disillusioned with Wilson, who failed to deliver his grandiose modernisation promises
