2001 United Kingdom general election — election of members to the House of Commons in 2001
Labour's second consecutive landslide victory confirmed Tony Blair as the only Labour prime minister to serve two full consecutive terms, while turnout fell below 60% for the first time since 1918.
Key Facts
- Seats contested
- 659 seats
- Labour seats won
- 412 seats
- Labour majority
- 166 seats
- Voter turnout
- 59.4 %
- Conservative net gain
- 1 seat
- Liberal Democrat net gain
- 6 seats
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Labour entered the election with the advantage of a strong economy and a commanding majority from 1997. The Conservative Party, led by William Hague, was internally divided over European policy, had drifted rightward, and suffered from high-profile publicity failures. Despite a brief Conservative polling lead during the 2000 fuel strikes, Labour successfully managed the crisis before the election.
On 7 June 2001, United Kingdom voters elected 659 members to the House of Commons. Labour under Tony Blair won 412 seats with a 166-seat majority, losing only six seats from 1997. The Conservatives gained a net one seat, and the Liberal Democrats gained six. Turnout of 59.4% was the lowest since 1918, and the result was widely described as a 'quiet landslide'.
Tony Blair became the first Labour prime minister to win two consecutive full terms. William Hague resigned immediately as Conservative leader. Among the newly elected Conservative MPs were future Prime Ministers David Cameron and Boris Johnson, and future Chancellor George Osborne. The election further entrenched Labour's dominance and left the Conservatives in a prolonged period of opposition and internal restructuring.
Political Outcome
Labour re-elected with a 166-seat majority; Conservatives gained a net one seat; Liberal Democrats gained six seats; William Hague resigned as Conservative leader
Labour government under Tony Blair (first term, from 1997)
Labour government under Tony Blair (second full term)