Why did Churchill lose office in 1945?

What did Labour offer in 1945?

More of a changing society, e.g. 1942 Beveridge Report, which even though had been written by a Liberal, supported by Conservatives and criticised by Labour, it was thought that Labour would be most likely to implement it

What were Conservatives blamed for?

The ‘hungry decade’ of the 1930s (depression of 30s) and appeasement

Labour manifesto

Manifesto of social reform - ‘Let us face the future together’ - NHS, social security, nationalisation of major industries

What was a large problem with the way people viewed Churchill?

• Seen as a person somewhat apart from the Conservatives

• ‘Never was a party so leaderless as the Conservative Party today’ - October 1944, one backbench Conservative MP

How did Churchill worsen the Conservative campaign?

• Making ridiculous associations between Labour and the Nazi Gestapo (June Gestapo speech)

• Also with Beaverbook (newspaper owner and one-time minister in Churchill’s cabinet) - allegations Labour Party was run by a sinister body, the National Executive, which claimed right to Parliamnent

Labour leaders public opinion

Known to have served loyally in the war - e.g. Herbert Morrison was a household name after the domestic air raid shelter which was called after him

USSR and Labour’s manifesto

The great achievements of the USSR pointed the way to greater economic control and social reform by the state, something that Labour with its socialist origins promised to deliver

Which Party advocated for social mobility

Labour - the war had produced more social mobility, as men of ability were promoted to the forces. Women had taken on key roles in previously male-dominated occupations. Many saw vote for Labour as a vote for more social change and a less class-ridden Britain

Labour percentage of votes cast vs seats won in 1945 election

47.7% votes cast vs 61.4% seats won

Conservative votes cast vs seats won 1945 election

36.2% vs 30.8%

Britain’s electoral system problem

Meant that the popular vote was not as great as the number of seats won by Labour

Why was Labour’s proposed continuation of nationalisation of key industries popular?

• People didn’t trust private investors (during wartime) and didn’t want people profiting, hence wanted nationalisation

• Government is the one entity in charge, more simple and centralised