“Victory” Cabinet Meeting Called By Eden

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27670, 28 May 1955, Page 7

“Victory” Cabinet Meeting Called By Eden

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright/ * (Rec. 11.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 27. Sir Anthony Eden, triumphant in the General Election, raced back to London from his constituency today to hold a “victory” Cabinet meeting. More election results beginning to flood in from the largely Conservative country districts confirmed the nation-wide swing to the Right which will give his party a powerful grip on the House of Commons. A Conservative spokesman said it was a safe bet that the Government would have a majority of 60 or 70 in the 630-seat House, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr Butler) told reporters: “From mathematical calculations there are certainly hopes of a sizeable Conservative majority.” Special election editions of London’s three evening newspapers proclaimed the Conservative victory with such headlines as “Tories Romping In,” “Tory All the Way,” and “It’s a Tory Win Again.” They made these foretasts of a probable majority—the “Evening News,” “not far short of 100,” the “Star” 87: the “Evening Standard” 89.

The “Evening News” said that the official Labour explanation of its defeat was likely to.be the Conservative hints of a return to rationing under Labour rule. B

The simple fact was, however, that a majority of the electorate was satisfied • with what the Government had achieved in |hree and a half years, and believed it could continue to manage Britain’s affairs efficiently and skilfully.” the newspaper said.