realignment of labour party

who did the opinion polls for 92 vote for

neil kinnock

what happened at the rally in sheffield

• neil kinnock acted triumphant

• 11,000 people

• people were frightened

• this caused conservative to last minute win tje vote

who did people like more kinnock or major

• majors personality was more liked

• major was a calm leader

• perceived economic competence

what were long term factors which impacted kinnock

• the winter of discontent 1978

• squabbling over policies in 1983

• seen as untrustworthy

how did kinnock modernise the party

• devolution in scotland

• pro european

who was the labour leader in 1993

john smith

how did smith unify the party

joined both left and right faction previously dominated by foot and benn

what was a big problem for smith

• knew the party needed to change but didn’t want to alienate the working class although this section of society was diminishing in size

how did smith change labour

• pro european stance

• wanted to create a new constitution to give individuals more rights

why does smiths leadership need to be acknowledged in the 97 victory

• labour has an 18 point lead on may 11 1994

tony blair changes

• scrapping of clause iv showing his renationalisation of privatised industries- more attractive to middle class voters

• mix of old policies alongside me aspirations

• public services receive a boost in funding

• taking britain into europe to boost economy

• wanted to represent minority groups

• willingness to allow privatised companies to remain outside of state ownership

clause iv controversies

• it caused divides

• commitment to nationalism which made them unelectable in changing society

how did labour represent minority groups

• increasing gay rights

• devolved power to assemblies in scotland and wales ( Scotland act 1998 and Welsh assembly)

• increased minimum wage setting it at £3.60 for over 22