ABSTRACT
Academic opinion is divided over the issue of whether Britain has exhibited signs of electoral change, in particular the nature, extent and significance of voter volatility in the 1970s and early 1980s. One group, most closely associated with Ivor Crewe, finds clear evidence of change. Another group, most closely associated with Anthony Heath, find no such evidence. This paper reviews the two perspectives, finding more support for the former than the latter. This conclusion is reinforced by an examination of election campaign opinion polls which show that the peak period of volatility occurred between 1974 and 1983, with 1970 representing a transitional election.
