Topic 5: 1997 election

Question 1

2

Describe how Blair won the support of ‘The Sun’

Answer 1

• Made trip to Hayman island of Murdoch conference in 1995 to wrath of Old Labour
• Committed to prospective referendum on euro depsite apparent enthusiasm

Question 2

4

Describe the 1997 election results

Answer 2

• Turnout down 6.4% - no ‘shy tories’
• Lab 419, Con 165, LD 46
• 179-seat majority
• Conservatives won no seats in Wales and Scotland

Question 3

4

List the reasons for Labour victory in 1997

Answer 3

• Blair leadership and personal appeal
• Labour policy and image
• Conservative image: sleaze, division, weak Major leadership
• Economic competence (Black Wednesday)

Question 4

4

Describe the Conservative campaign in 1997

Answer 4

• campaigned against Labour devolution plans in Scotland and Wales
• (won no seat in either nation)
• Major suggested Labour would take Britain into ‘federal europe’
• ‘New Labour, New Danger’ - attempts to paint Blair as socialsit backfired

Question 5

2

Give an example of a Tory policy in 1997

Answer 5

• Suggested allowing transfer of non-working tax-free allowance to partner
• Would only serve outdated nuclear family model

Question 6

Why did the Major government lose the narrative on the booming economy?

Answer 6

Sleaze lost media support

Obviously could argue other factors