Wilsons Ideology + Leadership Flashcards
Why did Labour win the 1964 election in terms of Wilson ideology + leadership
-seem as classless + far removed from old Etonian style of cons PMs
-relaxed + skilful politician where as Heath stiff + lacked personality
-was left lab + bevanite as resigned 1950 over prescription charges
-supported Br nuclear deterrent + attempted reform unions
-seen as one of people as smoked pipe had Yorkshire accent + went to public schools
-despite this was anxious + insecure about leadership + conscious falling out with rivals to remain unchallenged
Why did Douglas Home lose the 1964 election
-cons govt out of touch + old fashioned
-struggled present attractive image like Wilson + not very charismatic
-on going scandal which undermined view of establishment
-after Mac was no one to succeed him + whole struggle find someone replace him made cons seem trapped in bygone age
-was part of aristocracy + gave up peerage sit in HOC
What factors lead to the labour election victory in 1964
-attitudes of electorate to cons party -> many voters saw them as old fashioned, out of touch + not popular with unemployed, unionists or working class due to pay issues + no answers to rising issues
-Labour Party election campaign -> white heat speech united lab after period of internal strife + focus on science allowed Wilson transcend ideological divisions + allowed him temp support if revolutionist right + socialist left of party
-revival of lib party -> many middle class not prepared vote lab or cons + revival brought lib publicity + funding for new talented recruits so able contest more seats + doubled vote
