Wilson and the labour governments Flashcards
When was Wilson in power?
1964-1966
What political problems did Wilson Face in 1964?
- Political
- majority of 5
- Wilson’s position precarious and temporary
- Another election would have to be called in 1966
- However, Pimlott argues advantages –> made backbench revolt and public disagreement unlikely for fear of downfall
What economic problems did Wilson Face in 1964?
- Balance of payments deficit risen to an alarming level
- Economic behaviour of the conservatives during last months in offices amounted to criminal negligence
- When labour took office MPs informed that predicted deficit of £800 million
What was Wilson’s first concern when coming into power?
- risk and concerns of sudden defeat as tiny majority of 5
- risk of split
- first concern –> build gov and keep party united
What were two main sections of cabinet?
- the triumvirate
- the second tier
what were wilson’s personal advisors called?
- the kitchen cabinet
Who was in the Triumvirate?
- Wilson at top
- Callaghan as Chancellor of the Exchequer
- Brown as First Secretary
What groups was the second tier made up of?
- Subtle blend of Gaitskellites, old morrisionions, centrists and ex bevanites
What was the largest element of the second tier? Who made up of ?
Other group?
- combined right
- repped by Denis Healy, Ray Gunter etc
- Centre left:
- repped by Anthony Crossland, Barbara Castle etc
Who was Minister of Technology?
- Frank Cousins
Who was Foreign Secretary?
- Patrick Walker
Who was the kitchen cabinet made up of? Where did they meet?
What was a negative?
- Centres around Marcia William, his personal political secretary
- Met at N.o 10
- Members include: Barbara Castle, Anthony Crossman etc
- Many people felt ‘KK’ reinforced Wilson’s suspicions of party rivalries and prevented ministers from having access to him.
What reputation/image did Harold Wilson gain?
- Gained rep for being a competitive, pragmatic worker
- Modernisation reflected in own image –> seen as classless –> an image far removed from old etonian style of predecessors
- state school
- smoked pipe
- yorkshire accent
- relaxed and skilful performer on TV
Ways Wilson was left? Not left?
- had been bevanite, resigned over prescription charges
- Supported Britain’s nuclear deterrent + attempted to reform trade unions
What was a theme of Wilson’s policy that was very important to Wilson / on his radar?
- Modernisation - he successfully linked labour to this
What was Wilson’s policy in the early 1960s?
Adopted when? + Main themes *
- ‘Signpost for the sixties” adopted in party conference in 1961
- Main themes:
- Role of Economic planning
- Need to reach out towards the growing body of scientists + technicians
- Link between planning, technological advancements and growth
What did Wilson successfully do with his policy?
Bridged the gap between right and centre-left and demonstrated lack of distance between them
What were Wilson’s leadership worries? (Not detailed)
- Anxious and insecure about leadership
- Relied heavily on his personal team of advisors + few inner circle MPs
- The ‘KK’ reinforced his suspicions of party rivalries and prevented ministers from having access to him
What were some of Wilson’s other beliefs/ policies? - education and employment vibes
- believed in scientific revolution
- harnessing talent, educating the ambitious, promoting on merit + abolishing the old boys network
In terms of economic policies what did Wilson believe?
What emerged from this
- Planning of exports, science and tech
- Economic failings were due to Treasury’s lack of training, expertise and supremacy over other departments
- Idea of Department of Economic Affairs emerged
What was the DEA?
- would have strong trade union backing
- was hoped would become most important ministry + help downgrade treasury