3 Liberal defectors to Labour
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Alun Wyburn-Powell
Abstract
This chapter considers all the defectors who left the Liberal/Liberal Democrat Party to join the Labour Party. The existence of the Independent Labour Party (ILP) attracted potential anti-war recruits to the Labour Party, while at the same time acting as a divisive influence. As a divisive influence, it was more attractive to the middle class than to the workers to whom it was directed. In some cases the War Policy Objectors defected from the Liberal Party, but for reasons other than the war. Between 1919 and 1920 a small group of idealistic former Liberals left for the Labour Party. The Disillusioned Progressives were the most numerous of the defectors to Labour and were highly significant as they included many individuals of prestige, wealth and ability. The events of 1915 to 1918 had created and solidified the split between the followers of Asquith Coalition and those of Lloyd George.
Abstract
This chapter considers all the defectors who left the Liberal/Liberal Democrat Party to join the Labour Party. The existence of the Independent Labour Party (ILP) attracted potential anti-war recruits to the Labour Party, while at the same time acting as a divisive influence. As a divisive influence, it was more attractive to the middle class than to the workers to whom it was directed. In some cases the War Policy Objectors defected from the Liberal Party, but for reasons other than the war. Between 1919 and 1920 a small group of idealistic former Liberals left for the Labour Party. The Disillusioned Progressives were the most numerous of the defectors to Labour and were highly significant as they included many individuals of prestige, wealth and ability. The events of 1915 to 1918 had created and solidified the split between the followers of Asquith Coalition and those of Lloyd George.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- List of illustrations viii
- Foreword ix
- Abbreviations xi
- Acknowledgements xii
- 1 Introduction 1
- 2 Defectors and loyalists 6
- 3 Liberal defectors to Labour 27
- 4 Liberal defectors to the Conservatives 93
- 5 Liberal defectors to minor parties 149
- 6 Inward defectors 179
- 7 Conclusions 191
- Bibliography 198
- Index 203
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- List of illustrations viii
- Foreword ix
- Abbreviations xi
- Acknowledgements xii
- 1 Introduction 1
- 2 Defectors and loyalists 6
- 3 Liberal defectors to Labour 27
- 4 Liberal defectors to the Conservatives 93
- 5 Liberal defectors to minor parties 149
- 6 Inward defectors 179
- 7 Conclusions 191
- Bibliography 198
- Index 203
