The 2001 general election was a disaster for the Conservatives. After four years in opposition, a young new leader and the twin crises of fuel protests and foot and mouth disease, the party achieved a swing of just 1 per cent and a net gain of a single seat, taking their tally to 166 MPs.
William Hague was roundly criticised for a campaign that placed so much emphasis on keeping the pound and asylum, when it was perceived to be a public services election. Yet there was at least a logic to this strategy.
