Labour in opposition. 1951-1964.

• Splits in the Labour Party were clear before the defeat of 1951

• Bevan had resigned from the party over NHS charges before the election.

• A “Bevanite movement” develops that attracts left wing Labour members.

• A personal contest between Bevan and Gaitskell develops, Bevan feels Gaitskell has “no roots in Labour”

Aims of the Bevanites.

• More nationalisation.• Against the development of the H bomb.• Wanted British independent nuclear

disarmament.• In foreign affairs, wanted to distance

Britain from America.

Impact of the 1955 election on Labour.

• Eden's victory in the 1955 election signalled a need for changes in the Labour party.

• Attlee's resignation brought about a Labour leadership contest.

• Results…Gaitskell 157, Bevan 70 and Morrison 40.

• Bevan accepts Gaitskell's leadership and takes a post in the shadow government.

Labour under Gaitskell.

• The Labour party become more united as the Conservatives struggle with the Suez Crisis.

• Bevan and Gaitskell realise they have to work together to be successful.

• Labour members vote to keep the British nuclear deterrent.( With Bevan’s blessing!)

• Agree to re-nationalise the iron and steel industry and road haulage but not extend to other areas.

1959 Election.• An impressive election campaign still

results in defeat for the Labour party.• Cons. 365 seats. Lab.258.• Rising affluence under the Tories means

traditional Labour supporters no longer see themselves a s working class.

• Labour’s image is believed to be out of date.

Labour make progress.• Gaitskell tried to modernise the Labour Party.• Fails to get them to abandon Clause IV.• Does gain support for keeping British Nuclear

weapons and being active in NATO.• Things improve for Labour. Gaitskell gained from

Tory difficulties in the early 60’s. • However, in January 1963 Gaitskell died of a

viral infection. He was 56.• Came to be seen, by the right wing of the party,

as “the best Prime Minister the Labour party never had”.