The Realignment Of The Labour Party Flashcards
What was clause IV
What was new labour
Of of the iconic socialists principles that had been enshrined in labours constitution was the commitment to state ownership. Labour was no longer committed to nationalisation and they had accept thatchers privatisation.
-term used after 1994 - the electorate that the party was different to the Labour Party in the part which was associated with failure to attract sufficient voters and win the election.
Who was peter mandelson
Why was a policy review launched in 1987
Became famous as the spin doctor and was behind the slick presentation of the new labour.
He was kinnock director of communication in 1985 giving about a rusting image of moderation and competence.
- after they lost the election. By 1988 much of the 1983 manifesto had been ditched, including withdrawal from EEC, unilateral nuclear disarmament and rises of taxation of high income.
What did labour stop supporting to do with the unions
Why did some blame kinnock for the loss of the 1992 election
Stop supporting he closed shop. Signalling a split with the trade unions.
- blamed him for having over confidence. The sun Said “if kinnock wins tomorrow will the last one to leave Britain turn off the lights”
Who was kinnock successor after he resigned in 1992
What did he introduced
John smith. He was seen as serious and someone to be trusted on the economy.
- introduced one member one vote to attempt to abolish the trade union block vote in 1993.
Who replaced john smith
What was he like
After John smiths death of a heart attack in 1994 (age 55) Blair replace him.
-educated at a Scottish private school. Typical middle England man.
What was the relationship like between Blair and brown
Both entered parliament in 1983. They shared an office and were both modernisers. Brown and Blair had an agreement that Blair would stand as leader and work in close partnership with brown who would act as a strategist and policy expert. After, Blair had agreed to step down to allow brown to be leader.there relationship was often tense but they made a powerful team.
What did Blair encourage to change about clause IV
Why was it difficult for the conservatives to attack labour
Due to the collapse of communism, socialism as a political philosophy seems dead. Blair wanted to drop the socialists ideas for a more modern capitalist economy.
- labour had promised to follow the conservatives spending plans. This meant that business were no longer fearful of the labour government.
What made Blair a skilful communicator
Attractive to women
Modern pop song as their campaign theme - things can only get better
- blairs press secretary Campbell used his experience as a former journalist to change labours relationship with the press and the media.
- spin machine which was effective with dealing with the media in refuting conservative attacks and selling labour policies.
What did the Labour Party plan to avoid conservative winning the 1997 election
Spoke about a coalition with the liberals.
What was the labour pledge card
clear, easy to understand and designed to attracts a range of potential voters.
Said to :
- cut class sizes to 30 or under for 5,6 and 7 year olds
- fast track punishment for persistent young offenders by halving the time from arrest to sentencing.
- cut NHS waiting list by treating an extra 10,000 patients as a first step by realising 100 million saved from NHS red tape
- get 250,000 under 25s off benefits and into work
- no rise o of tax income, cut on VAT on heating to 5% and inflation no interest rates as low as possible.
What did the conservatives argue about lAbour
They were stealing there policy’s
Or
The new labour was just the old labour in disguise.
What were the results of the 1997 election
Conservatives got 31% of the vote. Lowest since 1823.
Portillios lost his seat.
