1979 election

Question 1

6

Describe the role of Conservative policy in 1979 election victory

Answer 1

• monetarism
• Council house sales (‘Right to Buy’) proved hugely popular
• End to incomes policy to appease higher wage earners and skilled workers
• Trade Union reform
• Tax cuts (at both ends) and lower public spending

Question 2

4

Describe the role of the Winter of Discontent in Labour 1979 election defeat

unions

Answer 2

• Images of Trade Union militancy exploited mercilessly by Tory party
• Gallup poll in Jan 1979 found 84% felt unions held too much power
• Tories placed trade union reform at centre of their manifesto

Question 3

6

Describe the role of Labour policy in 1979 election defeat

Answer 3

• Demand for HoL abolition at 1977 conference rejected
• Future nationalisation in ports and cargo
• Reintroduction of free prescriptions