Call Me Dave - The 2007 General Election and Beyond

It is argued that what many consider the most turbulent period in British politics since the days of Oliver Cromwell began upon Gordon Brown’s announcement of a “snap” general election in September 2007. After succeeding Tony Blair as Prime Minister and Labour Leader in late July, Brown’s new government experienced a bump in the polls, leading to huge speculation over a potential “snap” election to not only earn him an official mandate but another five years of government for the Labour Party. After many talks, rumours and reaffirmed opinion polls, Brown took to a small podium outside No.10 Downing Street to formally call for the dissolution of parliament.

The veteran leader of the Liberal Democrats Ming Campbell already faced huge pressures from within his party over accusations that he was too old. Despite campaigning hard against both parties secret talks had already begun which agreed should a hung parliament come about the Lib Dems would automatically side with Labour.

The young David Cameron, leader of the Conservative Party, also faced huge pressures. His image as a young, centralist, even moderate figure succeeded in regaining many previously lost Tory voters but also angered the traditionalist elements within the party. After seeing the brutal treatment of their three previous leaders (Hague, Duncan-Smith and Howard) he knew full well defeat could well prove fatal for his leadership.

Following a deal struck during pre-election negotiations a single leader’s debate between Brown, Cameron and Campbell was held one week before polling day, broadcasted live on the BBC, ITV and Sky, this debate will go down in history as the turning point in potentially the whole of Britain’s political path. Before it Labour seemed headed to a comfortable, 1992 style election victory, after, all was placed in doubt.

David Cameron stormed through the debate like a man possessed, in the best possible sense. His reply to any criticism put down any form of opposition and his direct approach to answers, often addressing directly to camera rather than the audience portrayed his great Prime Ministerial image, a new face for an old party. His most memorable moment being following a comment made by Brown over Tory plans for government, Cameron cried “No, Gordon, no”. Brown himself often stumbled on anything passed matters of the economy, appearing isolated from the rest of British affairs outside of the treasury. Ming Campbell however, appeared bland, uninteresting and as Ian Hislop would later describe “practically senile”.

The result of this debate saw a sky rocket in Tory support, described by the media as “Torymania”. Labour suffered a severe slump, failing to rise any higher than 35% for last days of campaigning; the Lib Dems struggled to even escape the mid-teens. T-shirts with the phrase “No Gordon, no” were sold and record rates and by the morning of the election articles throughout the press predicted varying results, some said a fourth Labour government, a Lib-Lab/Lib-Con coalition and one even declared a “Tory landslide unseen since Thatcher”.

As the results finally came in it became obvious that was not to be. Instead Britain found itself in a Hung Parliament for the first time since 1974, with the Tories as the largest party. Coalition talks immediately began between the big three as well as the minor parties. First Labour and Lib Dems began talks, with Gordon Brown famously declaring “it’s not over yet” to journalists as he entered No.10 the morning after the election. However, despite both sides determination to form a government it was not to be, the numbers simply did not work in their favour (due to both parties suffering a loss in seats) and so, with Brown only able to offer two cabinet positions to the Lib Dems, Ming Campbell left No.10 shaking his head in despair. Immediately after they were contacted by David Cameron who intern requested a “Supply and Confidence” deal for one year before calling another “cut and run” election. Despite initial support from the Orange Bookers within the Lib Dems the talks came once again to nothing.

Without any other options Gordon Brown was forced to resign on the 8th October 2007, just months after taking office. David Cameron was called later that day to form the first Conservative Government in ten years. The accidental victory was first met with jubilation and right wing euphoria throughout the country; it was not long till the mood very much changed.


Results of the 2007 UK General Election

Conservative: 302 (+104)
Labour: 273 (-82)
Liberal Democrat: 48 (-14)
Other: 27 (NC)

Previous Prime Minister: Gordon Brown (Labour)
Subsequent Prime Minister: David Cameron (Conservative)

Government: Conservative Minority​