The Conservatives under John Major, 1992-1997 Flashcards
(24 cards)
John Major’s campaign strategy
John Major campaigned tirelessly, standing on upturned milk crates (soapboxes) to connect with voters.
Example of John Major’s soapbox campaigning
In Cheltenham, March 1992, he was jostled by hostile crowds but still made his speech.
Labour campaign controversy
Labour claimed a five-year-old girl waited a year for an ear operation – this became known as the ‘War of Jennifer’s Ear’.
Sheffield Rally controversy
Labour’s 1992 Sheffield Rally was seen as triumphalist and Americanised; Neil Kinnock shouted ‘We’re alright!’ repeatedly.
Conservative accusation against Labour
The Conservatives accused Labour of planning a ‘tax bombshell’ – they claimed Labour’s pledges would cost £35bn, requiring £1,000 in tax rises per voter.
Conservative anti-immigration rhetoric
Home Secretary Kenneth Baker claimed Labour wanted to ‘open the floodgates’ to migrants from poorer countries.
Key event after 1992 election regarding Europe
UK Parliament was to ratify the Maastricht Treaty, which would create the European Union.
Maastricht Treaty opposition
22 Conservative backbenchers voted against the treaty, known as the ‘Maastricht Rebels’.
How Major passed the Maastricht Treaty
Major turned the vote into a ‘confidence vote’ – MPs had to support it or be removed from the party.
Economic crisis under Major
September 1992 saw a run on the British pound as it was over-valued due to ERM membership.
Government response to Black Wednesday
Major and Chancellor Norman Lamont tried to buy pounds and raised interest rates, but spent £3.3bn unsuccessfully.
Outcome of Black Wednesday
On 16 September 1992, Britain withdrew from the ERM, damaging Conservative economic credibility.
Major’s leadership crisis in 1995
He held a leadership election and defeated John Redwood 218 votes to 89, but it showed internal opposition.
Tony Blair’s attack on Major in PMQs
In January 1997, Blair said: ‘I lead my party, he follows his’, calling Major ‘weak, weak, weak’.
‘Cash for Questions’ scandal
MP Neil Hamilton accepted cash from Mohamed Al-Fayed to ask questions in Parliament.
Tim Yeo scandal
Conservative Minister for Environment Tim Yeo had an affair and fathered an illegitimate child, leading to his resignation.
Stephen Norris scandal
Junior Transport Minister Norris had three simultaneous affairs, leading to the tabloid headline: ‘Yes, yes, yes, minister’.
Jonathan Aitken scandal
Aitken procured drugs and prostitutes for a Saudi prince and accepted bribes.
Labour’s rebranding under Blair
Blair rebranded the party as ‘New Labour’ and abolished Clause IV to distance from nationalization policies.
Labour’s newspaper support
The Sun newspaper switched allegiance to Labour with the headline: ‘The Sun Backs Blair’.
Blair’s campaign style
Blair was seen as young and dynamic, compared to John Major’s dull image.
Labour’s use of political advisors
Labour employed Philip Gould (polling guru) and Alastair Campbell (spin doctor) to manage media relations.
Labour’s key campaign message
Blair’s main slogan was ‘Education, education, education’.
Labour’s stance on crime
Blair promised to be ‘tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime’, appealing to both left and right.
