Page "United Kingdom general election, 2001" Paragraph 1

Despite the victory, voter apathy was a major issue, as turnout fell below 60 % for the first time in history, 12 % down on 1997.

All of the 3 main parties saw their total votes fall, with Labour's total vote dropping by 2. 8 million on 1997, the Conservatives 1. 3 million, and the Liberal Democrats 428, 000.

Some suggested this dramatic fall was a sign of the general acceptance of the status quo and the likelihood of Labour's majority remaining unassailable.