Callaghan calls an election in October 1978

MrHola

Banned
Had he done so, Labour would have won a narrow but decisive victory (majority around 10). To be honest, though, the problems of inflation, worsening public finances and industrial unrest would probably have continued in Callaghan's next administration though there probably wouldn't have been either riots or a Falklands War, which could have interesting consequences for theArgentinian Junta. Perhaps it falls earlier?

Comments?
 
Question about the Falklands occuring. In OTL the direct cause was a mix of an Argentinan desire for a new outlet for popular dissent and Thatcher's habit of showing mixed messages on British policy concerning the Falklands (the general impression was that Thatcher would give them up, yet as we know she did fight). So a war will quite likely not happen unless Callaghan gives the Argentinans similar impressions that the UK does not consider them worth a fight.
 
I'd hardly call 10 a decisive majority. With one that small, it can easily be whittled away through by-elections, and we may end up with a repeat of the consequences of October 1974 - Callaghan could well be forced to call another election before too long, say two years. Unless the economy has really turned around, I doubt Labour will get in in the 1981/82 election.
 
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