Policy Press

The Battle of Ideas in the Labour Party

From Attlee to Corbyn and Brexit

By Dimitri Batrouni

Published

Apr 22, 2020

Page count

160 pages

ISBN

978-1529205060

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Apr 22, 2020

Page count

160 pages

ISBN

978-1529205084

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Apr 22, 2020

Page count

160 pages

ISBN

978-1529205084

Imprint

Bristol University Press
The Battle of Ideas in the Labour Party

From Attlee to the birth of New Labour, and the advent of Corbynism, this book gives a lively account of the ideological developments and dramas in the Labour Party in recent decades.

Batrouni delves into the totemic battles between hard and soft left, examining the destructive and creative elements of key periods of Labour’s ideological exhaustion and ideational confusion.

Providing powerful insights from interviews with some of the most influential thinkers, advisors and MPs in the party, he goes on to examine the phenomenal emergence of Corbynism, the impact of Brexit and what lies ahead for the party.

“[This book] is well worth reading for anyone interested in Labour’s extensive history and may be of particular use to its new leader, a man who needs to ensure he can deal with ideas successfully and ensure that the Labour Party accepts his.” Left Foot Forward

“Labour party politics have been a rollercoaster over past decades. Batrouni offers an indispensable guide to this journey. Accessibly written and packed with insights and measured analysis, this is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand Labour’s present situation.” Mark Wickham-Jones, University of Bristol

“The battle for the soul of any party is both a battle of ideas and a battle between the factions for whom those ideas are the banners under which they march. This fascinating book weaves history and first-hand interviews together to provide a lively and convincing sense of the competing personalities, politics and principles that have taken Labour on the roller coaster ride it's been on for the last seventy-five years.” Tim Bale, Queen Mary University of London

Dimitri Batrouni is Lecturer in Politics at the University of Bristol.

Introduction

The Battle of Ideas in the Labour Party, 1945– 92

The Rise of New Labour: Electoral Concerns Trump Ideology

Bridging the Divide: Ed Miliband and Ideas

Pre-distribution

Corbynism: The Left’s Resurgence

Corbynism: Brexit and Globalization