General Election 2015 explained: Manifestos
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Version 0 of 1. Manifestos – documents that “make clear” the policies for which a political party stands – have been in use in UK elections since 1835, when Robert Peel drew up the Tamworth Manifesto, which marked the emergence of the Conservative Party out of the old Tory parliamentary grouping. The word itself dates back to 1620 or earlier. Manifestos as we know them first featured in 1900. The Conservatives’ was called: “The Manifesto of the Marquess of Salisbury”. The Liberals’ was largely devoted to attacking Lord Salisbury for calling the election at all. Labour’s ran to 150 words, identifying such goals as “useful work for the unemployed”, “adequate maintenance from national funds for the aged poor”, “graduated income tax”, and “no compulsory vaccination”. The manifestos of the major parties for the 2015 general election can be briefly summarised as follows: Conservatives Title: “Strong leadership, a clear economic plan, a brighter more secure future”. Promises: “A strong economy for you and your family”. Size: 82 pages, 31,400 words. Price: £5. Are you undecided about who to vote for on 7 May? Are you confused about what the parties stand for and what they are offering? Take this interactive quiz to help you decide who to vote for... Click here to launch SNP: “Stronger for Scotland” (Getty) Labour Title: “Britain Can Be Better”. Promises: “This is a plan to reward hard work, share prosperity and build a better Britain.” Size: 86 pages, 20,421 words. Price: £5. Liberal Democrats Title: “Stronger economy. Fairer society. Opportunity for everyone.” Promises: “Responsible finances, prosperity for all, real help for family finances.” Size: 160 pages; 36,345 words. Price: £7.50. SNP Title: “Stronger for Scotland”. Promises: “To make Scotland stronger at Westminster”; “an end to austerity”; “increased NHS funding”. Size: 56 pages; 19,268 words. UKIP Title: “Believe in Britain.” Goals: Restore defence budget, abolish inheritance tax and bedroom tax, stop HS2, leave the EU. Content reportedly influenced by: Nigel Farage. Size: 75 pages, 27,573 words. Plaid Cymru Title: “Gweithio dros Gymru” (“Working for Wales”). Goals: Same deal for Wales on funding and powers as Scotland; 1,000 extra doctors and more nurses; 50,000 jobs through more public contracts for Welsh companies. Size: 64 pages; 18,536 words. Green Title: “For the Common Good.” Goals: Prioritise climate change; “build a more equal, more democratic society while doing our part to heal the planet”. Size: 84 pages; 40,152 words. Liberal Democrats:: “Stronger economy. Fairer society. Opportunity for everyone.” (Getty) In this selection of titles for the past seven general elections, the title of the winning party’s manifesto is highlighted… 1983: Conservative: “The Challenge of Our Times”; Labour: “The New Hope for Britain”; SDP-Liberal Alliance: “Working Together for Britain”. 1987: Conservative: “The Next Moves Forward”; Labour: “Britain Will Win with Labour”; SDP-Liberal Alliance: “Britain United: The Time Has Come”. 1992: Conservative: “The Best Future For Britain”; Labour: “It’s Time to Get Britain Working Again”; Liberal Democrat: “Changing Britain for Good”. 1997: Labour: “New Labour, New Life For Britain”; Conservative: “You Can Only Be Sure With the Conservatives”; Liberal Democrat: “Make the Difference”. 2001: Labour: “Ambitions for Britain”; Conservative: “Time for Common Sense”; Liberal Democrat: “Freedom, Justice, Honesty”. Labour: “Britain Can Be Better” (AFP/Getty) 2005: Labour: “Britain: Forward Not Back”; Conservative: “It’s Time For Action/The British Dream”; Liberal Democrat: “The REAL Alternative”. 2010: Conservative: “Invitation to Join the Government of Britain”; Labour: “A Future Fair for All”; Liberal Democrat: “Fair Taxes for All”. A voter rang Liberal Democrat head office and asked to buy a copy of the manifesto. “I’m sorry,” he was told, “we’ve sold out.” “I know,” said the voter, “but I’d still like a copy.” |