2017

• 2017 M A Y B E
• 2017 M - May’s Leadership Challenges:

  • Stat: Theresa May’s personal approval dropped from 55% to 30% during the campaign.
  • Explanation: May’s perceived lack of charisma and U-turns on policies, like the “Dementia Tax,” damaged her image and credibility.
• 2017 A - Austerity Backlash:

  • Stat: Labour’s campaign promised an end to austerity, attracting 63% of young voters (18-24), while many felt the Conservative approach was too harsh.
  • Explanation: Corbyn’s pledges to increase public spending resonated with those affected by austerity cuts, particularly young voters.
• 2017 Y - Youth Engagement and Social Media:

  • Stat: Labour’s campaign on social media reached millions of young voters, with 62% of under-30s voting for Labour.
  • Explanation: Labour’s social media strategy, paired with promises to abolish tuition fees, mobilized the youth vote.
• 2017 B - Brexit Divisions:

  • Stat: Brexit dominated the campaign, with 52% of Conservative voters supporting May’s stance, while Labour presented a more ambiguous approach.
  • Explanation: Brexit continued to polarize voters, though Labour’s less defined stance on Brexit attracted those looking for alternatives to May’s “hard Brexit” vision.
• 2017 E - Economic Policies:

  • Stat: Labour’s promise to raise taxes on the wealthy to fund public services resonated, gaining 40% of the total vote, up from 30% in 2015.
  • Explanation: Labour’s economic policies were seen as a counter to austerity, appealing to voters dissatisfied with public sector cuts.