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LeftishBrit

(41,190 posts)
4. In those days, being telegenic and charismatic was not required of a British leader...
Sat Apr 20, 2013, 06:25 PM
Apr 2013

I think that postwar austerity and rationing did harm Attlee's re-election chances. However, he and his policies had an enormous influence on British politics long beyond his term of office. Even many Conservatives, until the 70s, accepted the need for full employment and the welfare state, though they tended to be more pro-business and the Labour Party more pro-union. Attlee moved the centre of political gravity to the left, as Thatcher was to move it to the right. For example, in certain respects the Macmillan Conservatives, who came after Attlee, were to the left of the Blairite Labourites who came after Thatcher.

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»United Kingdom»Attlee versus Thatcher: W...»Reply #4