The GLC Election, 1981
Abstract
PAUL COUSINS N many ways the 1981 Greater London Council election was a curious, almost unreal, election. It took place in a period following the launching of a major new political party in Britain - the Social Democratic Party - yet this new phenomenon did not feature in the election. The campaign itself was dull, in keeping with the tradition of LCC and GLC elections in recent decades, in sharp contrast toI the events in London since 7 May. Nor was the result ever really in doubt - even the Conservative leader, Sir Horace Cutler, admitted after the election that 'It would have been a miracle if we had won'.l Four years earlier Sir Horace had been celebrating the success of his party in recapturing the GLC with a majority of 34 seats. During the next few years the flamboyant Conservative leader stamped his personality on the council, earning in the process Herbert Morrison's old title of 'Mr London'. With his beard and bow tie he was a distinctive figure on television and on public occasions in the capital. His four years of office at County Hall were difficult ones, however. Local authorities were being urged to cut spending