Jon Cruddas

A Century of Labour
In conversation with George Miller

Starts at: Thursday 24 October 6:00 PM
Finishes at: Thursday 24 October 7:00 PM

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Following six weeks of confusion, speculation and negotiation, Britain’s first Labour government took office a century ago and during those last 100 years, there have only been six Labour Prime Ministers, with just three gaining a majority at a General Election.

Until now ...

That original 1924 win was due in no small part to the organisational skills, the strategic genius, and the struggle of a generation of Labour leaders, chief among them Ramsay MacDonald. Yet in Labour mythology, MacDonald remains a traitor to the cause; as does Tony Blair, electorally Labour’s most successful leader.

Despite many extraordinary achievements, Labour has only held power for 33 precarious years. The party’s over: they will never govern again. Labour’s current popularity, however, could reflect a demand for the political change the party represents. In this clear-eyed analysis Cruddas attempts to honour Labour’s cause. He still believes it to be the hope of the world.

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