Why did Labour win a Landslide Election in 1945?

Election result: LAB 393       CON 213       LIB 12

LABOUR

Leadership 

• Led by Clement Attlee who was very statesmanlike and calm
• Attlee was committed to introducing a welfare state. 
• Being deputy PM during World War Two gave him the experience he needed to lead a Government. 
• His ministers such as Ernest Bevin, Stafford Cripps and Herbert Morrison became familiar faces and were closely associated with the war effort. 

Beveridge Report

• Committed to introducing the Beveridge Report 1942 and a full welfare state. 
• Beveridge report sold 600,000 copies highlighting its popularity. 

By-Election successes

• From Nov 1935-1945, Labour/left wing parties won nearly 30 seats from the Tory party in by-elections .
• Led by 12% in polls in 1943

Credibility and Experience

• The Labour Party had previously only been in Government twice- forming minority administrations.
• The War gave them experience and credibility. 

Collectivism

• There was a rise in collectivism during the war- a key concept of socialism 
• Rationing, the Battle of Britain, conscription and evacuation united communities blurring class lines- shown by 22% of the middle class voting Labour and wins in Tory strongholds of Birmingham and East Lewisham in the…