GE 2001

The UK General Election 2001, was the general election following the 1997 election. The 1997 election had resulted in a majority Conservative government led by Michael Forsyth. At the 2001 Election, the leaders of the main parties were Roy Hattersley (Labour), James Mackay (Conservatives) and Vince Cable (Liberal Democrats). All three leaders at the 1997 election had resigned over the course of the next parliament.

Debates
Six debates were broadcast for the 2001 election, three more than the 1997 election. There were three "one on one" debates (Hattersley vs. Mackay, Hattersley vs. Cable and Mackay vs. Cable), held in Hartlepool, Kensington and Aberavon, respectively. One leaders debate was held in Southampton Itchen, comprising of Hattersley, Mackay and Cable. One 'Scotland debates' event was held in Glasgow, which saw Carol Mochan (leader of Scottish Labour), Mackay, Cable and Alex Salmond (leader of the SNP) fight it out. A final debate was held at a live 'Question Time' with all three leaders, as well as Alan Rusbridger, key individual in the Guardian Media Group (who own the Guardian) and Mark Pack, author of '101 ways to win an election'. Although no polling was done, media outlets reported that (in order of debates) the winners were: Hattersley, Hattersley, Cable, Cable/Salmond (draw) and Hattersley/Pack (who, although was not running, had endorsed the Liberal Democrats).

Polling
Sharp shifts in polling gave Labour a shock lead of between 8%-9% over the Conservative party, despite a growing economy and a record low of public sector strikes (which had been rife in previous Conservative governments). The Lib Dems were scattered for polling, but it was expected that they would gain some votes off fairly strong debate performances and the loss of Conservative supporters.

Final polling
Final polling put Labour at 43% (+3), the Tories at 32% (-14%) and the Lib Dems at 20% (+10%). This was a shock to Tory activists, who's machine had never properly started. Labour was said to be extatic, however Liberal Democrats pointed out that it was them that was combating the Tories, not Labour.

Exit Poll
The BBC released this exit poll. If accurate, Labour would be headed back to government with a landslide and 199 lead over the Tories. The Conservative 'spin team' quickly turned on James Mackay, which was a shock to the nation and mainstream media. They conceded defeat before even the first constituency came in. The Lib Dems were ecstatic about the BBC's exit poll, however one of their press team accidentally let slip that their internal polling had them up several percent on the BBC's prediction. Labour rapidly declared Roy Hattersley as Prime Minister in waiting.

Final Results
The night provided the support that Labour needed to get back into government. However, Labour was down 5.5% on the exit poll and up just 0.2% on 1997. The Conservatives, by contrast, were down 15.8% on 1997. The Lib Dems, however, had gained an impressive 16% on 1997, which was emphasised in their 54 seat gain. Mackay resigned, after he was thrown under a bus by most of his top team. Vince Cable resigned shortly after the election, calling a by-election in his seat. Roy Hattersley became Prime Minister.