4. "In 1997, the general election was lost by the Conservatives rather than won by Labour."

3 points

1. Tory failures

2. Labour strengths

3. public mood

Tory failures

• Weaker: Economic recovery had started by ‘97 – 2.5% growth, unemployment falling.

• Stronger: Scandals & sleaze destroyed trust – “Back to Basics” hypocrisy + divisions over Europe.

Labour strengths

• Weaker: Rebrand wasn’t enough alone – “New Labour” could’ve failed without Tory collapse.

• Stronger: Blair’s charisma, unity, and PR image won centre-ground voters – “Things Can Only Get Better” campaign.

public mood

• Weaker: Voters had stuck with Major in 1992 – not just anti-Tory.

• Stronger: 1997 had 10% swing to Labour – largest post-war landslide at the time = sign of rejecting status quo.

conclusion

Agree – Tory collapse was key cause, though Labour’s modernisation helped seal the win.