UK General Elections: Historical Outcomes and Demographics

These flashcards cover key outcomes, demographic shifts, political strategies, and voting trends from the UK General Elections of 1979 and 2019.

What were the seat counts and vote percentages for the Conservatives, Labour, and Liberals in the 1979 UK General Election?

Conservatives (339 seats, 44% vote), Labour (269 seats, 37% vote), Liberals (11 seats, 14% vote).

What demographic change was noted leading up to the 1979 election?

There was a sharp decline in people considering themselves ‘working class’ and a growing middle class.

What was the Conservatives' primary response to economic issues such as inflation and unemployment in 1979?

To plan a return to free markets and curb union power.

How did the public perceive Callaghan compared to Thatcher before the 1979 election?

Callaghan was seen as reliable and likable, while Thatcher was viewed as distant and too posh.

What was the voter turnout in the 1979 UK General Election?

76%.

What campaign strategy did the main political parties adopt in the 1979 election?

They focused on media rather than allowing the media to passively report; they avoided adversarial attacks.

What were the main policies advocated by Labour and the Conservatives in 1979?

Labour advocated for an increase in pensions and tax cuts, while the Conservatives pledged to curb trade union power.

In the 1979 election, which class demographics shifted towards the Conservatives?

Conservatives remained dominant in AB and C1 classes while gaining swings in C2 and DE.

What was a significant demographic shift noted in the 2019 election related to working-class support?

Former Labour and UKIP voters in northern industrial areas shifted support to the Conservatives due to Brexit issues.

What was the main issue for voters in the 2019 UK General Election?

The handling of Brexit.

How did Boris Johnson's campaign differ from Jeremy Corbyn's during the 2019 election?

Johnson presented a clear message on Brexit, while Corbyn's messages were vague and complicated.

What was the voter turnout in the 2019 UK General Election, and how did it compare to 2017?

The turnout was 67%, a slight drop from 69% in 2017.

What did the 2019 election results show regarding class voting trends?

Conservatives won across all classes with the highest proportions in C2 and DE.

What was the relationship between age and voting Conservative in the 2019 election?

39 was identified as the tipping point age where people were more likely to vote Conservative.

How did ethnicity impact voting behavior in the 2019 General Election?

BAME voters continued to favor Labour, while the Conservatives won the white vote.