Why did the CP lose the 2001 election?

Question 1

Role of the Individual

Answer 1

• William Hauge won mainly because he was not old or experienced enough to have any enemies
• Hauge was only 36 and had limited political experience but was an excellent debater and impressive public performer
• Hauge struggled to unify the party, despite pledging to do so in his victory speech
• Forced to reiterate his support for Thatcher
• Since rebelling so much - found it difficult to command loyalty from backbenchers

Question 2

Conservative Party Policy

Answer 2

• CP remained unpopular and some ‘modernisers’ in the party argued that the party needed to change its image and policies and top being seen as uncaring, intolerant, old fashioned and obsessed with Europe. Very controversial with the right of the party
• Divisions between ‘mods’ and ‘rockers’
• Many MPs became increasingly concerned that the Conservative Party was out of touch with the electorate

Question 3

Labour Party Policy

Answer 3

• Was difficult to attack Labour from the right since it had kept so many Conservative policies

Question 4

Labour strengths

Answer 4

• Policies were popular with voters and the New Deal was well underway
• Contained popularity with voters
• Brown had built himself a solid reputation as prudent Chancellor
• Gradual and promised improvements in public services
• Perception government was handling the economy and foreign affairs well
• Difficult for Conservative to attack Labour policies; because it was governing well and adopted so many Thatcherite policies
• Ran excellent negative election campaign focusing on people’s hatred of Thatcher

Question 5

Conservative weaknesses

Answer 5

• Divisons in CP over Europe + social issues and opposition to more liberal attitudes made party look somewhat weak
• Hagues personal weaknesses as leader - difficult to take seriously
• Poor campaign look reactionary, didn’t attract floating voters
• Unable to present himself as viable.