James Callaghan: An Underrated Prime Minister?

Description

In November 1980, James Callaghan retired as leader of the Labour Party. He had been on the front line of British politics for many years and was the only person to hold all of the four great offices of state. However, his premiership is seen as a failure, the last gasp of Keynesian social democracy being smothered by the oncoming advent of Thatcherism. Moderates in the Labour Party failed to defend his premiership, with several breaking away to form the Social Democratic Party. The left were openly critical, accusing Callaghan and his government of betrayal. Later, New Labour were also keen to dismiss the achievements of the Callaghan government in order to demonstrate the differences between 'Old' and 'New' Labour. This book offers a timely reappraisal of Jim Callaghan's premiership and time as Leader of the Opposition in 1979-80. It follows on from three similar books, on Harold Wilson, John Major and Peter Shore, also published by Biteback as affordable hardbacks. With debates over the future of the Labour Party intensifying after the 2019 general election, this book reassessing the party's past will be important reading. 'This book provides real insights about an underrated Prime Minister who, in very challenging economic and political conditions, sustained minority government and social protection.' - Lord Kinnock, former Leader of the Labour Party and Vice-President of the European Commission 'A brilliantly timed and conceived book. There is so much to enjoy and be stimulated by within its covers.' - Sir Anthony Seldon, contemporary British historian and author of May at 10

Kevin Hickson is Senior Lecturer in British politics at the University of Liverpool, where he has taught for seventeen years. He has published fifteen books and numerous journal articles. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and the Royal Society of Arts. Dr Jasper Miles is Associate Lecturer in Politics at Goldsmiths, University of London. Jasper Miles completed his PhD in politics at the University of Liverpool on the Labour Party's approaches to electoral reform. He lectures at Queen Mary, University of London, and the University of West London. He specialises in British politics and has written widely on the Labour Party, including a co-authored biography of Peter Shore.

"This excellent collection provides an invaluable and authoritative guide to James Callaghan's premiership, analysing the policies the Callaghan administration pursued alongside the economic and social context in which they governed. The essays include priceless reflections from senior figures who were intimately involved in the politics of the era. This book shines a light on crucial themes in post-war British politics and will be read keenly by students and general readers alike." - Dr Patrick Diamond, senior lecturer at Queen Mary, University of London, and former head of policy planning at 10 Downing Street "This book provides real insights about an underrated Prime Minister who, in very challenging economic and political conditions, sustained minority government and social protection." - Lord Kinnock, former Leader of the Labour Party and Vice-President of the European Commission "A brilliantly timed and conceived book. There is so much to enjoy and be stimulated by within its covers." - Sir Anthony Seldon, contemporary British historian and author of May at 10 "It is time to consider afresh the remarkable career of Jim Callaghan, the only politician of the twentieth century to hold all four Great Offices of State. This new book offers a range of perspectives to provoke much-needed thought and debate about a significant figure in our history." - Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, barrister and shadow Home Secretary "Had I been asked to name all the people whose views on Jim Callaghan I wanted to hear, I'd have nominated these authors - Cabinet colleagues and backbenchers from both sides of the aisle, academics, SPADs, journalists and commentators, who together paint a rounded picture of this exceptional and internationalist man." - Baroness Dianne Hayter, Labour life peer and former chair of the Labour Party