UK Party Policies 2007-2010

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Questions and Answers

What was a significant reason for Gordon Brown's loss of reputation?

His early decision to hold elections

His handling of the global financial crisis (correct)

His effective communication with the media

His popularity among skilled workers

In 2010, which percentage of voters did not choose any party regarding the best ideas for managing the economy?

26%

29%

36% (correct)

75%

What did the term 'presidentialisation of UK politics' indicate in relation to party leaders?

Charismatic leaders consistently won elections regardless of policies

The importance of party leaders in election outcomes has increased (correct)

Voter choice increasingly focused on party policies rather than leaders

Party leaders became less influential over time

Who was perceived as the better potential Prime Minister according to polls?

David Cameron Signup and view all the answers

What demographic primarily abandoned Labour in 2010 following the financial crisis?

Skilled workers Signup and view all the answers

What was the main issue in the election discussed?

The economy Signup and view all the answers

Which party promised to make immediate spending cuts?

Conservatives Signup and view all the answers

How did Gordon Brown's reputation change after the recession?

His reputation for economic management was crippled. Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about the 2010 election?

It was the first election to have televised debates. Signup and view all the answers

What event occurred during Gordon Brown's campaign visit to Rochdale?

He was heckled by a voter. Signup and view all the answers

Which party leader was perceived as the least charismatic during the televised debates?

Gordon Brown Signup and view all the answers

What did the World Bank think of Gordon Brown's response to the financial crisis?

It was highly praised. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the Lib Dems in the election despite entering government?

They lost five seats. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the skilled working class (C2) voted for the Labour party in the 2010 general election?

29% Signup and view all the answers

Which age group had the highest turnout in the 2010 general election?

65+ Signup and view all the answers

Among the age group 18-24, what was the percentage of votes for the Conservative party?

30% Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of non-white voters supported the Labour party during the 2010 general election?

60% Signup and view all the answers

Which class group had the highest percentage of Conservative votes?

Middle class (ABC1) Signup and view all the answers

What was the percentage of Labour votes among women in the 2010 general election?

31% Signup and view all the answers

How many percentage points difference was there between the Conservative votes and Labour votes among men?

6% Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic had a greater percentage for Labour over Conservative in the 2010 general election?

Semi/unskilled working class and unemployed (DE) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Party Policies and Manifestos

The 2007-2008 global financial crisis led to a recession in Britain, increasing the budget deficit to £175 billion.
All three major parties promised to cut government spending, but differed on the speed and extent of these cuts.
The Conservatives pledged immediate cuts, while Labour and the Liberal Democrats advocated a more gradual approach, fearing a second recession.
The Conservatives criticised Labour's economic management, claiming poor spending and overspending.
The World Bank praised Gordon Brown's handling of the financial crisis.
Gordon Brown's reputation for sound economic management took a hit due to the Conservative narrative.
Televised debates were first used during the 2010 election.
Gordon Brown's debate performances were not seen as charismatic by voters.
Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader, performed well in the televised debates.
The Liberal Democrats entered government for the first time in a coalition.

The Election Campaign

The election campaign highlighted the importance of factors other than policies.
The Conservatives strategically focused on vulnerable Labour seats
Gordon Brown received criticism, including a heckler's comment about Eastern European immigrants, leading to further controversies.
Gordon Brown's response to the heckler, while described as a "bigoted woman" privately, was publicly televised, harming his image.
Labour held Rochdale despite the controversy.
The 2010 election was the first to have televised debates.
The debates may not have significantly influenced the outcome but did affect the public image of the leaders

Wider Political Context

Gordon Brown became Prime Minister in June 2007 following Tony Blair's resignation
Gordon Brown hesitated to call an early election, which affected his political standing.
Brown's decision to avoid an early election was perceived as cowardly by opponents.
The 2007-08 global financial crisis and recession negatively impacted Gordon Brown's reputation.
While internationally praised for the measures taken to bail out banks, Brown was criticized in the UK for the crisis.
Media portrayal and public opinion viewed Cameron as a more capable Prime Minister.

2010 General Election - Voting Behaviour

Class:
- Middle Class (ABC1) voted more Conservative compared to Labour and Liberal Democrat.
- Skilled working class (C2) split between Conservatives and Labour.
- Lower-skilled working classes and unemployed (DE) favoured Labour to a greater extent.
Gender:
- Men tended to favor Conservatives
- Women supported a broader range of parties, including Labour and Liberal Democrats
BAME (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic):
- White voters favored Conservatives, a significant gap in support for non-white voters.
- Non-white voters leaned towards Labour and Liberal Democrats.
Age:
- Younger voters and older voters had varying preferences.
- Younger voters demonstrated significant support amongst Liberal Democrats.
Partisanship:
- The level of direct party support decreased from 1979 to 2010.

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Description

Explore the impact of the 2007-2008 financial crisis on UK political parties' policies and manifestos. This quiz examines the differing approaches of the Conservatives, Labour, and Liberal Democrats, particularly regarding government spending cuts and their performances during televised debates in the 2010 election. Test your knowledge on the significant changes in British politics during this period.