Backbone It seems likely that the 'result of this election,
when analysed, will confirm other evidence that the electorate is splitting up and re-forming in new groupings. Dr. Henry Durant, of the Gallup Poll, says that the proportion of trade unionists intending to vote Conservative has gone up sub- stantially since 1959, while a significant propor- tion of middle-class people support Labour for the first time since 1945. I read these remarks soon after hearing, from a Tory candidate, a similar account of changed allegiances. He had been pleased by the appearance of new support on the housing estates in his constituency, and displeased by signs of disaffection among owner- occupiers who would traditionally have been strong for the Tories. One theory is that the owner-occupiers, having squeezed their financial resources until the pips squeak in the acquisition of houses and expensive household equipment, find themselves in satisfactory domestic circum- stances but without any money, and soon grow discontented: while the council tenants, although getting a share of the washing-machine way of life, have enough money left over to enjoy a rather jolly existence. I can't vouch for the authenticity of this, but I rather like the notion of the roistering workers as the backbone of the Tory Party.
Previous page
