The UK General Election of 2001

1
The UK General Election of 2001

• How good for Blair?
• How bad for the Conservatives?
• How good for democracy?

2
Changes in seats, 1997-2001
3
Vote Changes, 1997-2001
4
Lessons of Election 2001 - A

• Disaster for the Conservatives
• Voters still voting tactically anti-Tory four
  years on
• Voters dont vote for a divided party (Europe)

• Good result for Lib-Dems - did well in 1997 and
  even better in 2001
• Tactic of targeting seats paying off
• Still no nearer power
• Still no nearer PR

5
Lessons of Election 2001 - B

• Labour didnt have to do much to win
• Labour DIDNT do much - so they avoided major
  mistakes
• Oppositions cant win elections, governments can
  only lose them

6
Who Really Won in 2001?
7
1945-2001 Voting DecliningIs it serious?

• Are voters apathetic?
• Are voters disillusioned?
• Is rise of third parties connected?

OR
Does this simply mean voters are now more
critical? Did they think 40 years ago before TV?
8
The rise and rise of apathy
You realise we could form a government if we had
the inclination
9
Apathy - should we be worried?

• Are we lazy?
• Have people the right not to vote?
• So what?