"How far were conservative scandals the most important reason for their defeat in 1964"!

Intro:

* The conservative government had involvement in a number of scandals * They also faced social and economic problems * The labour party had its own strengths * The failure of Home as prime minister * Brief intro discussing the above and what is going to be argued for and against

Conservative Scandals:

* The conservative scandals included: The Profumo affair (briefly say what it was) and issues were raised to national security * Vassal Affair: (briefly say what it was) This led to mistrust and the government was seen as out of control of its departments * Philby Case: (briefly say what it was) The conservative government were held responsible for this international affair with the Soviets. * Argyll Divorce Case: (briefly say what it was) rumors including government ministers and the Duke of Argyll’s wife. * Link back to the question suggesting how these were more or less important than the other factors.

Reasons which are possibly more important for the conservative defeat (other reasons)

* Strengths of the Labour party- Harold Wilson was succeeding, Labour focused on what was needed to solve the problems the conservatives had brought, this was done by policies and satisfying the public and its opinion. * The failures of Douglas-Home- He wasn’t voted in as Prime minister and he was simply outperformed by Wilson when it came to Parliament, likely due to his inexperience, and he did not lead the conservatives anywhere near well enough to stay in power during the next election. * During the 1950’s public opinion had been changing and this sided with Labours ideas rather than the conservatives, so they had the advantage. * Britain had been behind many countries in terms of trade, and the conservatives spent money on research and development (34.5%). World trade had shrunk 25% to 15% also. Industrial growth was also not doing well. * Panic votes were incorporated and this won labour votes * Unemployment had carried on rising- a social problem * The economic problems had not been solved and a large gap had been left to fill * Each of these factors leads to the criticism of “thirteen wasted years” under the conservatives. * Link back to question1

Conclusion * Come to a judgment on how far the conservative scandals were more important than the other factors. * Make a clear judgment on how far.