New Labour's political successes and failures

Blair as leader

He was charismatic and confutable with the media, and portrayed himself as a man of the people.

Society nicknamed “Sexy Tony Blair” due to his good looks, especially compared to his opponent John Major.

He rebranded the Labour party and made them more centrist with the removal of Clause IV from the party manifesto in 1995.

1997 Election

Blair faced off against a dwindling Conservative government led by the incumbent John Major.

Blair’s charisma and charm helped him appeal to all demographics winning 418 seats with 43.2% of the vote and an electoral landslide.

Major won only 165 seats with 30.6% of the vote.

The election showcased the publics need for change after 18 years of Conservative rule and Blair capitalised on the failures of his opponents to win such a landslide.

2001 Election

Was Blair v. William Hague and much like 4 years prior, Blair dominated.

Blair was much younger and more charismatic then Hague, appealing to the public better.

In the end Blair only lost 6 seats down to 412, whilst Hague could only win 1 extra up to 166.

2005 Election

Was Blair v. Michael Howard and it was a similar story to the previous two elections.

Blair was still more likeable and better at campaigning then Howard, but the Iraq War had caused him to be less likeable than 2001 and 1997.

Blair lost 48 seats winning only 355, whilst Howard won 33 seats pushing the Conservatives up to 198 seats.

This election showcased how Blair was still in public favour, but his mistakes in Iraq and Afghanistan had caused his public opinion to drop slightly and loomed over him the rest of his 2 years in office.

Conservative Leaders 1997-2017

William Hague (1997-2001)

Ian Duncan Smith (2001-2003)

Michael Howard (2003-2005)

David Cameron (2005-2017) - Only one who was successful in challenging Blair as he was young and charismatic for the Conservatives and what they needed to be ‘successful’ in 2010.