Keeping the Red Flag Flying: The Labour Party in Opposition since 1922

Labour leader Harold Wilson once said that being prime minister was easier than being Leader of the Opposition. However, much of the last century has been spent in shadow government, but were these wasted years or opportunities for creation and improvement? Political historians Mark Garnett, Gavin Hyman, and Richard Johnson argue that Labours opposition years from MacDonald to Starmer have been undervalued and misunderstood. They scrutinize Labours approach to reforming the party machinery, developing policy proposals, appealing to the wider electorate, and opposing the government to identify the key hallmarks of successful opposition. This insightful book on Labours past has vital lessons for the Partys future as it prepares for a long-awaited return to government.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2024
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Harold Wilson, the leader of the Labour Party, was once asked about the challenges of being the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He replied, "Not half as difficult as being the Leader of the Opposition." Unfortunately, for the Labour Party, a significant portion of the last century has been spent in the shadows, serving as the opposition. However, were these years wasted or did they present valuable opportunities for growth and improvement? In their book, "Keeping the Red Flag Flying: Labours Periods Out of Office Since Becoming the Official Opposition in 1922," political historians Mark Garnett, Gavin Hyman, and Richard Johnson provide the first comprehensive account of the Labour Party's periods outside of power since their ascension to the Official Opposition in 1922. They argue that these opposition years, spanning from MacDonald to Starmer, have been undervalued and misunderstood. Throughout the book's eight chapters, they delve into the Labour Party's approach to party machinery reform, policy development, appealing to a broader electorate, and effectively opposing the government. They identify key hallmarks of successful opposition and common mistakes made by the Labour Party. As the Labour Party prepares for a long-awaited return to government, this insightful book offers valuable lessons for the Party's future.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509560967