Case Study: The 2010 Election (Edexcel A Level Politics): Revision Note

National voting behaviour in the 2010 general election

Context

• The 2010 election occurred in the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis

  • This had led to rising national debt, pressure on public spending and widespread public concern about economic management

• The MPs’ expenses scandal further damaged trust in politicians across all parties, contributing to increased voter volatility and support for non-traditional parties

Election results

• No party won an overall majority, resulting in the first hung parliament since 1974.

Voting patterns

• Voting behaviour reflected declining loyalty to Labour and the Conservatives and growing openness to third parties, especially the Liberal Democrats, whose vote share rose significantly

• Regional variation became more pronounced

  • The Conservatives made strong gains in the south and midlands

  • Labour retained support in major cities and parts of the north

Factors affecting the 2010 general election outcome

Economic context and Labour’s governing record

• Labour emphasised its experience in government, but voters blamed the party for the severity of the financial crisis and rising national debt

• Concerns about economic competence harmed Labour despite Gordon Brown’s reputation as a capable Chancellor earlier in the 2000s

Public dissatisfaction after the expenses scandal

• All major parties were affected, but Labour - already struggling with incumbency fatigue after 13 years in power - was hit hardest

Campaign strategies

• Conservatives focused on deficit reduction, cutting waste, promoting enterprise and limiting public spending

• Labour attempted to defend public services and highlight risks of rapid austerity, but the message was overshadowed by their economic record

• Liberal Democrats campaigned on abolishing tuition fees, introducing electoral reform (AV), and defending civil liberties, appealing to disillusioned voters

Leadership and image

• Gordon Brown’s leadership was seen as serious but lacked charisma

  • His bigoted woman comment, caught on a live microphone, reinforced negative perceptions and damaged Labour’s campaign

• David Cameron presented a modern, compassionate Conservative image, appealing to middle-class and younger voters

• Nick Clegg gained popularity after strong performances in the newly introduced televised leaders’ debates

Media influence

• Most national newspapers backed the Conservatives

• The introduction of televised debates increased the focus on leadership qualities and personal style more than in any previous election

The impact of the 2010 general election on parties and government

• The election resulted in the first Conservative–Liberal Democrat coalition government in modern UK politics

  • Although coalitions are unusual in the UK, the two parties together won 59% of the popular vote, giving the arrangement democratic legitimacy

  • They agreed a joint programme, set out in the Coalition Agreement, combining elements of both manifestos

• The election demonstrated:

  • Increasing fragmentation of the party system

  • The growing importance of third parties

  • A decline in the traditional two-party dominance

Impact on policy and government direction

• The coalition introduced austerity policies aimed at reducing the budget deficit

• Major constitutional reforms were attempted, including the (unsuccessful) 2011 AV referendum and House of Lords reform proposals.

• Tuition fees were raised sharply, contradicting the Liberal Democrats’ campaign pledge and harming their credibility

Impact on political parties

• The Conservative Party used the coalition to present itself as moderate and responsible

  • This helped prepare the ground for later electoral success under Prime Minister David Cameron

• The Liberal Democrats suffered severe electoral damage in later elections due to dissatisfaction with the coalition and the tuition fee reversal

• Labour entered a period of leadership change and internal debate about its direction after Gordon Brown resigned