Clockwise from left: 'The Conservative manifesto', 1979 [Library shelfmark: PB5.219.321/27], 'The new hope for Britain Labour's plan', 1983 [Library shelfmark: QP4.83.871], 'The time has come … for Scotland', 1987 [Library shelfmark: QP2.91.2456], 'Return to nationhood', 1979 [Library shelfmark: PB5.219.321/30].
The 1980s were a time for political challenge and change in Britain. Between 1979-1989 there were three general elections in 1979, 1983 and 1987. Library collections of party-political manifestos give insight into the political landscape of the time and the different party priorities.
Parties prepare for elections
A general election was called in 1979 following a vote of no confidence in the Labour government led by Prime Minister James Callaghan. The Conservative manifesto from 1979 pledged to control inflation, increase home ownership and improve Britain's defences against military threat. The Scottish National Party 1979 manifesto contained 'a summary of the ideology of Scotland's right to independence', details of of the party's guiding principles, and an 'outline of its programme for self-government'.
Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister when the Conservatives won the 1979 election. Two years later, she called an election. Labour contested the Conservative leadership with its 1983 plan entitled 'The new hope for Britain'. The Conservatives won the election and increased their majority. For the 1983 election the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and The Liberal Party joined to form an alliance, and for the 1987 election they produced a manifesto with the title: 'The time has come for Scotland'.
To read more about 1980s UK politics, see also:
For more about the Library's political collections, you can visit our official publications pages..
Further 1980s essays and videos are available in our 1980s retrospective 'Back to the future: 1979-1989' website.