It was the year that defied conventional wisdom. From the beginning of the long election campaign a Conservative victory seemed there for the taking, with most commentators and pollsters still predicting a Tory majority even as the country went to the polls. The same figures were certain that David Miliband would triumph in Labour’s first leadership election since 1994. But in both cases the voters decided otherwise. As the establishment reacted with dismay to the first hung parliament since 1974 and to Ed Miliband’s election as Labour leader, one was reminded of Bertolt Brecht’s gibe about the need to elect a new people.
Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month
Content from our partners
