1. Lesson Two: Shifting Ideology?

2. Success Criteria – I can…
What you will learn…
Success Criteria – I can…
Explain why the Labour party struggled to gain votes between the 1970s and early 1990s
Describe the changes to the Labour Party under Tony Blair
Parties can shift their ideological views along the political spectrum
The ideological change in the Labour party under Tony Blair
Where the differences in ideology are between the ‘big two’.
The ideological differences within the big two.

3. Can you match the Labour Party leader with their time in the position?
Lesson Starter…
Can you match the Labour Party leader with their time in the position?
Leader:
Leader:
Michael Foot
Neil Kinnock
Leader:
Leader:
Tony Blair
Leader:
John Smith
Leader:
Gordon Brown
Prime Minister:
James Callaghan
Died in Office
PM:
PM:

4. James Callaghan
Michael Foot
Neil Kinnock
Leader:
Leader:
Leader:
Prime Minister:
Gordon Brown
John Smith
Tony Blair
Leader:
Leader:
Leader:
Died in Office
PM:
PM:

5. Shifts on the Political Spectrum Old Labour to New Labour
The electorate have changed over the years meaning that parties who only support one set of ideas will find it hard to win an election.
Prior to Tony Blair the Labour Party was struggling with its identity.
Labour failed to win four elections in a row (1979, 1983, 1987 & 1992)

6. Traditional Labour ideas
A Labour government traditionally seeks to be the Socialist party of the UK, focusing on equality.
Key policy initiatives would often mean:
Taxing the wealthy earners
Giving generous welfare benefits to those in need
Spending on what is needed in public services
Nationalisation of important industries (steel, coal, ship building)
Making sure to support and protect workers rights, with the support of Trade Unions.
A brief History of the Labour Party

7. Social Mobility
Throughout these four election campaigns despite improvements in the image of the party and its leaders (especially under the leadership of Neil Kinnock) Labour still held on to strong left wing policies which made it difficult for a changing, socially mobile UK public vote for the party.

8. Labour’s appeal to the working class was no longer valid as social mobility was leading the working class up the social ladder away from left wing views to more centre focussed views.
When Tony Blair was elected leader of the party he attempted to re-brand the party under the banner New Labour.
Tony Blair brought the party from the left to the centre ground.

9. Labour’s Down Turn
“Labour have not always been popular. Similarly to the 2015 election, during the 1980’s Labour saw many voters support the Conservatives.”
Pupil Task
Copy the table and then give evidence for the above statement.

10. Labour’s problem in 1980’s
Fewer working class voters to support the party’s socialist ideology
Losing skilled working class voters to the Tories
4 election defeats in a row
Didn’t know how to win again

11. The Third Way
Blair claimed that he was ‘beyond ideology’ and that we were entering a time of ‘pragmatic politics’
Pragmatic - to be realistic and practical about what is achievable – and adapt things accordingly (as opposed to being idealistic).
He borrowed from both left wing and right wing ideas
This was called the “Third Way”

12. Little Differences
Nowadays there appears to be fewer differences between the major parties than before - Why?
Era of pragmatic politics?
Move away from the left and right towards the centre ground
New Labour - from the left to the centre – borrowing from left and right - the ‘Third Way’ e.g. PPP.
coalition between Lib Dems and Conservatives possible because of similar ideologies? - Lib Dems were also in coalition with Labour in Scotland – same?
Although some movement to left under Corbyn, most Labour MPs are still moderate left/Centre

13. Bigger Differences
Until last year, Labour was trying their best to position themselves as a centre-left alternative to the Conservatives.
Jeremy Corbyn has moved the party further to the left than Ed Miliband’s position.
They are arguing for more taxes for the rich (mansion tax, higher rate of income tax for top earners)
They are also arguing for state intervention in the energy market for the first time in decades by promising a freeze on energy prices
Evidence of the Conservatives getting pushed more to the right by the rise of UKIP, taking a stronger line on immigration and Europe.

14. Differences Within the Parties
Strangely it is within the parties where differences are more apparent. All parties are “informal coalitions” of smaller groups.
Conservatives – Distinct left/right split between more liberal, “One Nation” Conservatives and the more traditional right of the party. Party is often divided on issues regarding Europe.
Labour – Rise of ‘Blue Labour’ has enraged many on the traditional left of the party – many in party still wish for a return to ‘traditional’ left/more socialist Labour – believed Ed Miliband offered this when elected leader (‘Red Ed’)

15. Complete the following questions in your jotter
Answers to these questions must be detailed
What is a political party and an ideology?
Name the major parties and some of the smaller parties in the UK and indicate who the leader is
What is meant by left wing and right wing politics and the political spectrum - is this still valid? What's the alternative?
Describe the process Labour has went through in regards to its ideology from the 1980’s.
Contrast and compare the ‘big two’ UK political parties based on their ideologies
Preparation for next lesson: What do you think are the most important factors that impact the success of a party at election time.