Party politics

Question 1

Historiography

Answer 1

• D.J. Goldsworthy biparisanship characterised party politics late 1940s and early 1950s
• Kenneth Morgan stresses the importance of Labour in opposition to decolonisation
• D.J. Goldsworthy 1959 election turning point
• Horowitz argues that Conservatives were split in 3 after 1959 election
• Simon Smith argues that Suez Crisis split conservative party

Question 2

Labour groups

Answer 2

• Fabian Colonial Bureau
• Independent Labour Party
• Movement for Colonial Freedom (MCF)

Question 3

Conservative groups

Answer 3

• Suez Group
• Watching Committee
• White settlers lobbied government and had direct representation inside conservative party

Question 4

1950s Labour

Answer 4

• Clement Attlee leader until 1955
• Hugh Gaitskell leader 1955-1963
• created a comprehensive blueprint for decolonisation
• James Callaghan became colonial spokesman in 1956