Two Elections Of 1974 Flashcards
(12 cards)
Why did Edward Heath call a general election in February 1974?
To strengthen his position during the Three-Day Week crisis, using the slogan “Who governs Britain?”.
What were the results of the February 1974 General Election?
Conservatives: 11.87m votes (37.9%) – 297 seats
• Labour: 11.64m votes (37.2%) – 301 seats
• Liberals: 6.06m votes (19.3%) – 14 seats
Why was the result of the February 1974 election considered a hung parliament?
No party gained an overall majority in the House of Commons.
Why did the Conservatives win more votes but fewer seats?
Due to the first-past-the-post system, which does not translate vote share directly into seats.
What role did the Liberal Party play in the February 1974 election?
Under Jeremy Thorpe, they gained 6 million+ votes but only 14 seats, reflecting a rise in popular support but limited electoral impact.
Did Heath immediately resign after the February election?
No, he tried to negotiate a coalition with the Liberals.
Why did coalition talks between Heath and Thorpe fail?
The Liberals demanded electoral reform, which Heath refused, leading to his resignation.
When did Harold Wilson return as Prime Minister?
4th March 1974, forming a minority Labour government.
What was the situation under Wilson’s minority government in early 1974?
He had a tiny majority and was unable to form a stable coalition, so another election was called in October 1974.
What were the October 1974 General Election results?
Labour: 11.46m votes (39.2%) – 319 seats
• Conservatives: 10.46m votes (35.8%) – 277 seats
• Liberals: 5.35m votes (18.3%) – 13 seats
What was significant about Labour’s victory in October 1974?
Wilson won with a very narrow majority of 3 seats, enabling the Labour government to rule until 1979.
Why was the October 1974 election important historically for Labour?
: It was Labour’s last general election win until Tony Blair in 1997.
