Why did New Labour win in 1997? Learning objectives: Describe New Labour policies in 1997. Evaluate the different factors which led to Labour’s victory: Blair, Tory weaknesses, popular policies, etc.

Excellent video resources on the Labour Party, 1979–1995 1995 BBC series: The Wilderness Years (available on YouTube) goes over the history of Labour.

Tony Blair – charismatic? Labour Party political broadcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRilf3i8MrQ How is Blair presented? How might this have appealed to voters?

Policies Did Clause IV make a difference? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyLVEcbPxi0 – Newsnight report on the 1995 conference which goes over the changes to Labour – EXCELLENT ONE TO WATCH! Annotate your version of the pledge card.

Labour’s pledge card for the 1997 election Cut class sizes to 30 or under for 5, 6 and 7-year-olds by using money from the assisted places scheme. Fast-track punishment for persistent young offenders by halving the time from arrest to sentencing. Cut NHS waiting lists by treating an extra 100,000 patients as a first step by releasing £100 million saved from NHS red tape. Get 250,000 under-25-year-olds off benefits and into work by using money from a windfall levy on privatised utilities. No rise in income tax rates, cut VAT on heating to 5% and inflation and interest rates as low as possible.

“Team Blair” Use p158 of Lynch and the photocopy of Marr to find evidence of Labour aides/supporters and how they helped in the election. Include: Alastair Campbell Peter Mandelson Greg Dyke Homework task – complete for next lesson. Also, finish anything not done from today.

Results day Record the details of Labour’s win. How did the other parties get on? What tactical voting took place? What was the significance of Labour’s win?

Significance of factors Add a comment but make sure this is VERY brief.

This contributed to Labour’s victory because … Reason This contributed to Labour’s victory because … Ranking Conservative splits over Europe inc. impact of Referendum Party Accusations of Tory sleaze Memories of Black Wednesday Attitude of the national press Labour’s discipline and organisation Labour’s policy messages Blair’s leadership of the party Anti-Conservative tactical voting