Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-10975360-20140530130134/@comment-10975360-20140605104156

early june 1991 - when the election in this TL is being held - the tories were 8-10 points behind labour in the polls, i would be generous to the tories, and have them gain a plurality in the popular vote and in terms of seat numbers, but a majority (let alone a large one) is simply verging on ASB.

Thatcher was strongly supportive of the poll tax, Major was not, and by early 1992 was indicating that it would be replaced after the general election (which it was).

Before thatchers resignation the tories were 10 points behind labour, when major became pm they jumped to 10 points ahead. I think you underestimate just how unpopular thatcher was personally at this point, and how much of an asset major was.