|
|
|
|
The View from Europe
UK Election: Grimace-Ridden Aftermath
By Nicola Mitchell
Tuesday, June 12, 2001 -- LONDON -- So the general election managed to drag itself to a close almost as dismally as it began. There was no great surprise as Tony Blair managed to hold onto the keys to 10 Downing Street after his historic capture of a second Labour term in office.
The British are known for keeping their stiff upper lip, and despite winning by a huge majority of 413 to the Conservatives 166, Tony Blair did just that as he accepted the task before him with more of a grimace than a grin.
Gone were the jubilant celebrations seen after the New Labour victory in 1997. Labour had swept the board through England, Scotland and Wales, but this was a government who realised it had been elected purely because there was no viable alternative, and this time it had to be seen to deliver on former failed promises.
There was no partying until dawn; in fact the only drink that passed Blair's lips was a strong cup of tea. The prime minister seemed in a sombre mood as he posed with his family on the steps of Downing Street, but of course never one to miss a photo opportunity, we were treated to the obligatory shot of him kissing his baby son Leo.
As one fight is over, another begins. New Labour may have won the battle over who gets to control the nation, but for the Conservative party, the battle is only just beginning. Thanks to the shock resignation of William Hague, the Tories have been thrown into further disarray as members consider presenting themselves for a leadership bid.
Most of the main front-runners have yet to declare their intentions, but to be honest none of the candidates look promising contenders to resuscitate the party.
Ann Widdecombe, the shadow Home Secretary, has declared her intention to stand. A far right hard liner who symbolises old Tory values, she would do more harm than good for a party who needs to drag itself kicking and screaming into the 21st centaury.
The current front runner for the job is shadow chancellor Michael Portilo, 'the caring Tory', followed by former chancellor Kenneth Clarke and shadow foreign secretary Francis Maude.
Of course, the real winners of the general election were the Liberal Democrats. For leader Charles Kennedy, the honesty policy seemed to have struck a chord with disenchanted voters. In total the party gained 2 per cent on last years result, but now finds itself faced with the task of fulfilling its promise to be the only opposition party worth having.
So while the other parties ponder their positions, Tony Blair took his party by the scruff of the neck and got rid of anyone who would cause a fuss on the ensuing Euro debate. Foreign Secretary Robin Cook has been the main casualty of the reshuffle, being demoted from his post to an administrative commons position. Unfortunately for him, this now means he'll be missing the chance to engage in intellectual chat with Dubya as he embarks on his first European tour later this week.
So for now it looks like business as usual, although if someone in the Labour party doesn't crack a smile soon, they'll be in danger of looking as if it didn't want to be re-elected in the first place.
Nicola Mitchell is a recent graduate from the London College of Printing. After working for a number of British publications and writing an in-depth thesis on American politics, she has come to understand the backstabbing and muckraking that goes on in Washington and felt compelled that Europe should have its say.
Copyright © 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, American Politics Journal Publications, Inc.
