Britain Transformed 1918-97( How much political consensus was there by 1979?)

Spending Levels

By the late 1950s, there were disagreements over spending levels. E.g the conservative criticised Labour’s spending plans in the 1959 election campaign.

Education

Growing difference between the two over education.

Labour were more dedicated in their effort to promote comprehensive schools

The conservatives sought to reverse with circular 10/70.

Trade Union policy

From the 60s, Increasing divergence over trade union policy.

The conservatives had proposed trade unions reforms in opposition and there was increased hostility between the Heath(conservative) and the unions.

1979 Election

The British voted overwhelmingly for an end to the post war consensus as Margret Thatcher was voted Britain’s first female prime minister.

Thatcher’s aim

Wanted to kill off what she saw as creeping socialism in the conservative party in and Britain at large.

Why did some of the British, reject the post war consensus (despite all social advances)?

Conservatives felt trade unions had gained too much power.

Winter of Discontent

Keynesian economic policies(heavy government intervention) followed by governments since the war were felt to be failing by early 1970s. Leading conservatives began to call for a return to more free market solutions to problems such as inflation and unemployment