John Smith Old Labour’s Last Hurrah?
Edited by Kevin Hickson
The death of John Smith on 12th May 1994 was one of those events which sticks in the memory. He was cut down at the moment that it looked as if he was set to become the next Prime Minister after a long political career and after successive electoral defeats for his party.
This book, published to mark the thirtieth anniversary of his death, offers a comprehensive assessment of his leadership of the Labour Party, with chapters written by academic experts, on their chosen fields, and by those who knew him as advisers, MPs and journalists.
There are two themes running through the book. The first seeks to examine the extent to which there was a John Smith ‘effect’ in terms of politics and policy and assess whether he succeeded in establishing his own agenda or simply followed that of his predecessor. The second examines the extent to which Smith was a representative of ‘Old’ Labour or ‘New’ Labour.
Reviews
“Kevin Hickson has gathered valuable insights about John Smith, a superb Commons presence, whose untimely death was a great loss to his family, to Labour and to our country. The interest in a man who led the Labour Party for less than two years, thirty years after he died, is a testament to his potential.”
Lord Kinnock, leader of the Labour Party 1983–92
“This book provides a timely re-evaluation of John Smith’s legacy. Based on a wide range of perspectives in an accessible format, it fills a research gap on a key transition period for Labour.”
Emmanuelle Avril, professor of contemporary British politics at Sorbonne Nouvelle University
“John Smith never became Prime Minister but was one of the most significant leaders Labour ever had. This book examines his real significance and brings different perspectives to the table. It will be an important contribution to our understanding of what the Labour Party is today and how it got that way.”
Francis Beckett, author
“I welcome the publication of this book on John Smith. Kevin Hickson and his contributors discuss, in an accessible and comprehensive way, his personal qualities, his very real achievements as leader and what a Smith premiership would have looked like. As Labour Party chair at the time of his premature death, holding the post of shadow Secretary of State for Health in his opposition team, I shall always remember him with respect and affection.”
Lord Blunkett, Home Secretary 2001–4
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- Hardback, 384 pages
- ISBN: 9781785908231
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30 May 2024
Available to pre-order - £25.00
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30 May 2024
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