Election win shaped the country we live in

Eighty years ago, Britain changed for ever with the election of the first majority Labour government, a result that stunned everyone, from the most optimistic Labour supporters to the most pessimistic Tory ones. It heralded the start of the welfare state, the National Health Service and shaped the country we still live in today. Eugene Byrne tells the story.

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BRISTOL-BORN William Slim Lieutenant-General Sir William Slim, as he was in 1945 - was, in the view of many experts, one of the greatest military leaders Britain ever produced.

As head of the 14th Army in Burma he overcame daunting odds, leading a multi-nation, multicultural army of British, Empire, Commonwealth and allied troops, many of whom had little loyalty to Britain, against massive obstacles, from disease to dense jungle. Despite these challenges, he won a string of victories over the Japanese, an enemy for whom surrender was unthinkable.

One of the secrets of his success was his closeness to his men and his assiduous care for their welfare, regardless of race.

To them, he was “Uncle Bill”, not just to his British troops, but also to his Indian soldiers, including his beloved Gurkhas. He had an easy humour and a shrewd understanding of what motivated fighting men.

In early 1945 he was invited to dine with the Prime Minister, and Churchill grew voluble about the coming general election, saying that he felt sure he had the support of the men in the armed forces.

“Well, I do know one thing, Prime Minister,” said Slim.

“My army won't be voting for you.”

Slim’s remark did him no harm. Churchill appreciated the candour.

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Winston Churchill - a Tory - had led the country since Neville Chamberlain was ousted as Prime Minister in 1940. He had formed a

coalition government with Labour leader Clement Attlee, who became Deputy Prime Minister.

With the defeat of Germany in May 1945, a general electionthe first in ten years - was called, with Churchill heading a caretaker administration in the meantime.

Parliament was dissolved on June 15 and the election was held on Thursday July 5, though because of the logistical difficulties in collecting votes from service personnel, the ballots would not be counted until July 26.