Why did the Conservative political dominance come to an end? 1961-1964

• Economic growth in western Europe was leaving Britain behind.

• Macmillan tried to get Britain into the EEC, which was rejected.

• Cycle of "stop-go" economics continued.

• Britain had a big balance of payment deficit - had to ask for a loan at the IMF.

• In 1962, Macmillan did the Night of the Long Knives - he sacked seven senior ministers.

• Beaching report: recommended cuts in Britain's railway network - caused public outrage.

• Profumo affair: Macmillan's defence minister, John Profumo, had an affair with a prostitute who had links to a man in the Russian military. He talked about Britain's defence to her who would, in turn, tell her Russian friend. Profumo ended up lying to Parliament to cover it up but they found out anyway. This made the Conservatives look bad in the eyes of the public.

• Macmillian fell ill and had to resign in 1963.

• Alec Douglas-Home replaced Macmillan - was a "compromise candidate". He was old and very old fashioned.

• In contrast, Labour had chosen a new leader - Harold Wilson - who was younger, a better leader and a good campaigner.

• Labour party split had healed with the new leader.

• Labour's slogan was catchy - "13 years of Tory misrule, 13 wasted years."

• General atmosphere of the public - people believed it was time for change.

• Satire (mocking comedy) became popular - Conservatives became targets.

• 1964 election saw the rebirth of the Liberal party - took votes away from the Conservatives.