Studied by 0 people
Labour weaknesses, Conservative strengths, Electoral system
Why did the Conservatives win the 1951 election
Labour Weaknesses
Conservative Srengths
Electoral System
Labour Weaknesses
Associated with policies of austerity, rationing and high taxation
Took Britain into Korean War in 1950
Internal divisions over foreign and economic policy
Divisions over free NHS treatment
Highest polled votes in 1951 than any other party
Built 200,000 houses a year
Conservative strengths
Lord Woolton reformed party finances
Influx of young talented politicians with new ideas
Could challenge Labour’s nationalisation of iron and steel industry
Promised 300,000 houses a year
Still committed to welfare state
Give people more “Red meat” at a time of rationing
Churchill still a popular figure
Electoral system
First past the post system
Labour got more votes but conservatives won many marginal seats
Boundary changes of 1948 representation of the people act
Decline in liberals meant ex voters turned to the conservatives
Note 
Flashcard (31)