2.1 Harold Wilson and his Cabinet

Question 1

Where was Harold Wilson born?

Answer 1

Near Huddersfield in 1916.

Question 2

What was unique about Wilson’s education?

Answer 2

He attended a grammar school and later studied at Jesus College, Oxford.

Question 3

How did Wilson maintain his identity?

Answer 3

He proudly spoke in his Yorkshire accent and celebrated his roots.

Question 4

What roles did Wilson hold before becoming Labour Party leader?

Answer 4

He served as Shadow Chancellor and later as Shadow Foreign Affairs Spokesman.

Question 5

What event allowed Wilson to become the Labour Party leader?

Answer 5

The death of Gaitskell in 1963 provided Wilson the opportunity to take over leadership.

Question 6

What political affiliations were associated with Wilson?

Answer 6

He was seen as left-leaning, although his politics were possibly more center-left.

Question 7

How did others perceive Wilson’s stance on certain issues?

Answer 7

While he was seen as aligned with the left, he supported Britain’s nuclear deterrent and attempted trade union reforms, which made his position less clear-cut.

Question 8

Which political figure viewed Wilson’s rise to leadership as a victory for the left?

Answer 8

Michael Foot described Wilson’s ascent as a dream realised for the left wing of the Labour Party.

Question 9

How did Harold Wilson link the Labour Party to modernization?

Answer 9

He introduced the “Signpost for the Sixties” policy, aligning the party’s direction with modern ideas.

Question 10

What were the main themes of the “Signpost for the Sixties”?

Answer 10

They included economic planning, engaging with scientists and technicians, and connecting technology with growth.

Question 11

What did Wilson believe in concerning the scientific revolution?

Answer 11

He advocated for utilizing talent, employing professionals based on merit, regardless of social class, and dismantling old elitist networks.

Question 12

What was the influence behind Wilson’s focus on planning and technology?

Answer 12

He was influenced by Balogh’s ideas on planning exports and promoting science and technology.

Question 13

What new governmental department emerged from these ideas about technology and planning?

Answer 13

The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) was established, backed by strong support from trade unions, aiming to reduce the Treasury’s power.

Question 14

How was Harold Wilson perceived in terms of class?

Answer 14

He was seen as classless, breaking away from traditional class distinctions.

Question 15

What made Harold Wilson stand out in terms of education among prime ministers?

Answer 15

He was the first Prime Minister who received education at a state secondary school.

Question 16

What were some notable characteristics of Wilson’s public appearance?

Answer 16

He was known for smoking a pipe, maintaining a Yorkshire accent, and being a relaxed and skilled TV performer.

Question 17

How did Harold Wilson feel about his leadership in private?

Answer 17

He was anxious and insecure about it.

Question 18

Whom did Harold Wilson rely on for advice outside the government and civil service?

Answer 18

He heavily relied on a personal team led by Marcia Williams, his political secretary, and included economic advisors and a select few MPs in informal discussions.

Question 19

How did Wilson’s reliance on his ‘kitchen cabinet’ affect his relationship with his ministers?

Answer 19

Some felt that this informal group reinforced his suspicions of party rivalries and limited ministers’ direct access to him.

Question 20

Who comprised the key figures in Harold Wilson’s initial cabinet?

Answer 20

His key figures included James Callaghan as Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Brown as Secretary of State for Economic Affairs (later succeeded by Michael Stewart), aiming for ‘creative tension’ between the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) and the Treasury.

Question 21

Who were part of the ‘second tier’ in Wilson’s cabinet?

Answer 21

It consisted of Arthur Bottomley, Denis Healey, Douglas Jay, Ray Gunter, Barbara Castle, Richard Crossman, Anthony Greenwood, Frank Cousins, and Patrick Gordon Walker, holding various ministerial positions from Commonwealth Relations to Technology and Foreign Affairs.

Question 22

Who were part of Harold Wilson’s informal advisors, known as the ‘Kitchen Cabinet’?

Answer 22

The key members included Marcia, his personal secretary (whom he was having an affair with), along with Peter Shore, George Wigg, Thomas Balogh, Anthony Crossman, Barbara Castle, and Wedgwood Benn.

Question 23

What political challenge did Harold Wilson confront during his term?

Answer 23

His party had a slim majority of 5 seats, necessitating another election in 1966

Question 24

What economic issue was a significant concern for Wilson’s government?

Answer 24

The balance of payments deficit had escalated considerably. When Labour took office, Callaghan and Brown were informed of an expected deficit of £800 million for 1964, marking a severe crisis unseen since 1945.