Politics Galore (Press, 10 October 1974)
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Summary: Politics Galore (Press, 10 October 1974)
On 10 October 1974, a report from London highlighted the chaotic political landscape in Britain as citizens prepared to cast their votes in the upcoming election. With major political parties offering contradictory facts and figures, voters faced a bewildering choice between not only the dominant parties but also a staggering array of candidates from 54 smaller parties. One standout candidate was “Screaming Lord Sutch,” leading the Go to Blazes Party, which consists solely of himself. Known for his unorthodox style and long hair that previously shocked audiences in Australia during the early 1960s, Sutch was campaigning to reduce the Conservative majority in the Stafford and Stone constituency. Despite having garnered only 142 votes in his previous attempt in 1970, Sutch faced the election with enthusiasm. The Air, Road, Public Safety, White Resident Party was another unusual participant, known for its grievance-driven agenda, including a candidate in Surrey campaigning for the abolition of cars. This candidate was notably active in the streets, photographing vehicles that failed to obey pedestrian crossings while riding a bicycle heavily adorned with campaign messages. The Gay Liberation Front was also fielding a candidate, Mr Malcolm Greatbanks, whose platform focused on opposing discrimination and championing homosexual rights. Other minor parties represented included the Anti-Common Market on Any Terms Party and the Save London Action Group, alongside curious entities like the Labour Conservative Coalition Party and the Campaign for a More Prosperous Britain Party. These parties had various motivations, with some candidates making significant financial investments in their campaigns. For instance, self-made millionaire Thomas Keen, 62, had spent £3,500 in an attempt to secure a parliamentary seat, having previously tried unsuccessfully to challenge the Prime Minister, Harold Wilson. The current election witnessed a record number of 2,192 candidates individually paying £150 deposits to stand for election. Labour put forward 623 candidates across all constituencies in England, Wales, and Scotland. The Conservative Party, led by Edward Heath, had a slight edge with 622 candidates, while the Liberals fielded 618 runners, also their highest count to date. Notably, neither major party was contesting the 12 parliamentary seats in Northern Ireland. As the election approached, it became clear that voters had many alternatives, from mainstream parties to unique individual candidates, reflecting the diverse political tapestry of the time and the growing engagement of voters in British democracy.
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