CAUSES OF LABOUR VICTORY

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23282, 18 August 1945, Page 4

CAUSES OF LABOUR VICTORY

British Political Change Home Reforms W anted The following article was written for "The Timaru Herald" by Miss Mary Oakeley, headmistress of Craighead Diocesan School, who is at present in England on leave. The results of the British General Election have come as a surprise even to those w'ho usually anticipate correctly. Most people thought either the Conservatives or the Labour Party would be returned with a small and unworkable majority, -which would necessitate a new coalition. Even the most ardent Labour supporters did not foresee the overwhelming victory for their Party.

Once having recovered from the shock, the British people are busy analysing the causes of the Labour victory. Among them one fact stands out, namely, that it was not a vote of no-confidence in Mr Churchill. On his election tour he was heartily cheered and acclaimed in all sincerity by those who a week later voted against his Party. No Englishman would deny the vast debt owed to Mr Churchill for his conduct of the war, and many would have preferred that he should stand aloof from party politics and serve with whichever Party was returned to power. His return” to party politics, at the head of a partv which had once classed him as a rebel, has not detracted from his war services, but it did show Churchill in quite a different light. His broadcast speeches, full of vituperation against his opponents, alienated many w’ho felt credit for the successful conclusion of the war was also due to such men as Mr Ernest Bevin and Mr Herbert Morrison.

Many people felt too, that a great war leader is not necessarily a great peace leader, and quoted the example of the great Chatham. They claimed, too, that Churchill was a giant among dwarfs in the Conservative Party, and that the rank and file lacked the ability and drive of their leader. This was confirmed by Left-Wing propaganda giving the number of occasions each M.P. had attended the previous Parliament, and many of them found themselves much heckled on their poor attendance by their constituents. The real cause of the change was, however, the demand for reform in home affairs. For years Englishmen have taken for granted that electricity, good drainage, adequate water supply, ample living space, and sufficient leisure were the prerogative only of the rich. The widespread travelling of the Forces, both men and women, the comparison of living conditions with refugees from other countries; and the fearful revelations of squalor and poor living in the large towns, as exemplified by the evacuees, has made the majority of people think that evil living and poor housing must be eradicated at once.

Before the war the excuse was lack of money, which hampered housing reform, education and social services generally. The war has shown millions being spent every day, and impossible tasks like the building of the Mulberry Harbour completed against all odds.

So the British people are determined to wipe out slums, extend social services, improve education, and eliminate poverty. Since 1918 the Conservative Party has been almost continually in power, and the electors consider it has failed. It is true the Labour Partv may not be able to do any better, but it is untried and it is time it was given a chance. Many of the new members are servicemen: a large number are young and enthusiastic; and all of them realise they have a chance seldom given to a political party. People from the Dominions are often surprised at the extent of poverty and slums in Britain, and this large Labour majority is a post-war attempt to eliminate them even at the cost of casting aside a great statesman w'ho was admired and liked by everyone.