Why did the Labour Party win the 1945 election?

Why did the Labour Party win the 1945 election?

1. Labour Advantages

   • More suited for post-war reconstruction.
   • Stronger campaign: clear opinions.
   • Allies in the media.
   • Played on topics of "poverty" and "mass unemployment."
   • Laski said they couldn't be blamed for "Potsdam."

2. Conservative Disadvantages

   • Did not deliver promised 'land fit for heroes.'
   • No "clear sense of purpose."
   • Churchill not "commited to a party." Traditional Conservatives didn't vote for him.
   • Accused of obstructing NHS - against Zeitgeist.

3. Churchill's Personality

   • Public liked Churchill, not Conservatives - not enough to win NEW votes. .
   • Churchills 'radical days were over.'
   • Seen as warlord not peacetime PM.

4. Campaign Tactics

   • Negative tactics - exploiting Laski, meant too much time spent countering Labour.
   • Adversary politics.
   • Scare tactics e.g. Gestapo was too pessimistic.
   • Speeches only impressed obvious Conservative supporters.

5. War Context

   • General election 2 weeks after war - wanted change.
   • Rumoured Churchill wanted "war against Russia."
   • "War weariness" amongst civilians, and votes lost from army.

6. Voting System

   • "First Past The Post"
     • 50%+ voted against Labour, but they won.
     • Conservatives only 2% short of 1/2 the vote.