Zusammenfassung der Ressource
The 1979 Election
- Problems faced by Labour in the 1970s
- They had won a majority of 3 in 1974 - made them vulnerable
- This was lost in by-elections
- By 1979 they were kept in power by the Liberals
- They looked weak in the eyes of the voters
- Economic problems
- Couldn't solve world economic crisis
- Inflation at 26%
- Unemployment trebled
- Bailed out in 1976 by IMF
- Winter of discontent 1978-79
- Many unions went on strike
- Rubbish was piled up in the streets
- The Conservatives attacked Labour over this in the campaign
- Labour isn't working poster
- Role of the Media
- The Sun backed the Conservatives
- Attacked Callaghan for not solving problems
- 'Crisis what crisis' headline
- Callaghan criticised for trying to downplay economic problems
- Increased importance of TV
- Campaign events timed so they could appear on TV news
- Leaders
- Thatcher was the first female leader
- Success in capturing female vote
- Won 47% of female vote to Labour's 35%
- Callaghan considered more experienced
- Thatcher was not considered to be a vote winner at this stage
- Voters thought she wasn't in touch with ordinary people
- Found her condescending and extreme
- Social Factors
- Class
- Conservatives dominant in higher social groups
- 59% of vote amongst ABC1
- Labour strong in DE voters - 49%
- C2 voters - 41% each for main parties
- They would normally vote Lab so positive for the Cons
- Geography
- All regions saw a swing to the Conservatives
- This was more pronounced in the South
- Age
- 18-24 year old was evenly split
- Cons won all other age groups
- Biggest drop in Labour support was 35-54 group