Labour in Opposition

Question 1

When did Gaitskell die?

Answer 1

1963 - it was believed he may have been victim of a KGB plot

Question 2

What were the two Labour factions known as?

Answer 2

Bevanites (more left wing) and Gaiskellites (more centrists)

Question 3

What did Bevanites stand for?

Answer 3

Large trade unions as they believe they represented the working class and a more radical path. Were supportive of CND and unilateralists.

Question 4

CSD

Answer 4

Campaign for social democracy - made up of labour supporters who wanted to distance themselves from nationalisation, trade unions and unilateralism

Question 5

When did Wilson become Labour leader?

Answer 5

1963

Question 6

When did Gaitskell become labour leader?

Answer 6

1955

Question 7

When did divisions officially end?

Answer 7

1955 but carried on up until 1964.

Question 8

What did Labour promise before the 1959 election and why did this not work?

Answer 8

Increase in state pension however it was not thoroughly thought through and many voters feared an increase in taxes.

Question 9

What did Gaitskell try to get rid of and why?

Answer 9

Clause IV as he believed the Labour party’s association with nationalisation was the reason they lost the 1959 election.