Why Was Lab Unable To Mount An Effective Challenge To Thatcherism

Question 1

Lab split?

Answer 1

-split between left + right
-Callaghan a moderate but followed by Foot (‘loony left’) 1980

Question 2

The 1980s was a disastrous decade?

Answer 2

-1979-92 lost 4 general elections in a row
-1978-79 Callaghan + WoD - strikes by public sector workers were damaging

Question 3

Lab links with unions?

Answer 3

-seen as contributing factor to Ind strike by voters + lab inability to govern

Question 4

Lab had image of divisions?

Answer 4

-lab more concerned with internal wrangles than preparing for gov

Question 5

The influence of Tony Benn?

Answer 5

-tabloid papers saw him as dangerous rep of ‘loony left’
-he saw lab 1979 defeat as proving need follow fully socials policies

Question 6

What did Benn campaign to change in lab?

Answer 6

-change lab constitution
-1981 lab conference he forced resolution requiring all MPs seek re-selection by their constituents to give more power to left wing activists

Question 7

How did lab view Benn’s resolution?

Answer 7

-a takeover of lab by extremists
-‘gang of four’ formed SDP - radical but not socialist

Question 8

What was the impact of Kinnock?

Answer 8

-had wide ranging policy review to reject many programmes of lab like unilateralism
-denounced ‘loony left’ lab councillors in Liverpool
-laid base for modernisation of lab by unable persuade electorate trust him due to media image

Question 9

What was the impact of the 1983 lab manifesto?

Answer 9

-ill thought out + large concessions to left wing - CND
-promised abandon Br nuclear deterrent + reintroduce nationalisation
-lab MP Kaufman called it the ‘longest suicide note in history’