Case Study: Harold Wilson (64-70 and 74-76)

Question 1

Overview of his premiership:

Answer 1

1. Highly presidential PM who liked to ignore cabinet and would make key decisions regarding policy within a small group of trusted advisers called the ‘kitchen cabinet’.
2. The chief whip, Ted Short, called his cabinet ‘the doodling cabinet’ since nothing of importance was discussed in it.
3. One of the most prominent members of his cabinet, Barbara Castle, frequently vented her frustration in her diaries that Wilson already decided with his closest advisers what to do before cabinet even met.

Question 2

What was his party like?

Answer 2

1. He liked to give the impression of presidentialism, but his party was strongly divided between left and right.
2. His cabinet was full of extraordinary strong and combative figures.
3. The dominance of his cabinet and his control of his event has been exaggerated.

Question 3

Trade Unions:

Answer 3

1. Came into conflict into his cabinet over plans to introduce legal restrictions on the power of the trade unions in 1969.
2. This led to a furious row.
3. Opposition from most of the cabinet, led by home secretary James Callaghan, eventually forced him into a humiliating climb-down.

Question 4

Why did he win the February 1974 election?

Answer 4

1. He promised a referendum on British membership of the EEC.
2. By 1975, he was prepared to support Britain’s continued membership.
3. Many Labour MPs opposed membership of the EEC, a special conference of the Labour Party had also demanded withdrawal, cabinet remained divided.
4. Wilson had to allow a free vote by cabinet, acknowledging that he couldn’t enforce the principle for collective ministerial responsibility.