Building communities, constructing identities: The rise of the Labour Party in London

London Journal

Volumn 23, Issue 1, 1998, Pages 41-60

  Weinbren, Dan ^a  

^a NONE

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EID: 0343491524     PISSN: 03058034     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1179/ldn.1998.23.1.41     Document Type: Article

References (169)

1. The total number of councils and their status changed slightly between 1918 and 1939. The figure of 85 is based on the number of councils in Greater London in 1939. The 16 were Battersea, Bermondsey, Bethnal Green, Dagenham, Deptford, East Ham, Edmonton, Enfield, Greenwich, Hayes and Harlington, Poplar, Shoreditch, Stepney, Walthamstow and West Ham, Woolwich. See appendix.
2. These extensions of the franchise were particularly significant for the London working class. Under the 1884 Reform Act, between 50 and 60 per cent of adult males possessed the franchise and the complex registration laws penalised urban, young, single, workingclass men in particular. In 1918 almost all men over the age of 21 and women aged over 28 became eligible to vote. In 1928 the franchise was extended to almost all women over the age of 21.
3. J. Wood, 'The Labour Left and the CLPs 1931-1951', (Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of Warwick, 1982), 451.
4. D. Tanner, Political Change and the Labour Party, 1900-1918 (Cambridge 1990), 431.
5. P. Thompson, Socialists, Liberals and Labour: The struggle for London 1885-1914 (1967), 286-89. In 1922 in Camberwell North and Lambeth Kennington the Progressives formed an alliance with Labour.
6. In the LCC area the elections for all authorities were triennial. They were held in March for the LCC, in April for the Guardians and in November for the boroughs. In the Greater London area, there were county council elections in March and borough, district or parish council and Guardians elections in March, April or November. In some areas a third of the council was elected each year, in others there were elections every three years. Some councils switched to the triennial system when the status of the council altered.
7. There were exceptions. In Walthamstow in 1925 the Conservatives received 1,000 more votes than Labour. However, the Conservatives won only 16 seats compared to Labour's 17 seats.
8. On the concern about middle-class apathy towards voting see K. Young, 'The LMS 1894-1963: a Study in Conservatism and Local Government' (Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of London, 1973), 143 and Tottenham and Edmonton Weekly Herald, 14 March 1924.
9. On the concern about middle-class apathy towards voting see K. Young, 'The LMS 1894-1963: a Study in Conservatism and Local Government' (Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of London, 1973), 143 and Tottenham and Edmonton Weekly Herald, 14 March 1924.
10. On the Enfield workers see T. Putnam and D. Weinbren, 'The Royal Small Arms Factory and Industrial Enfield 1855-1914', London Journal, 21:1 (1996) and T. Putnam and D. Weinbren, A Short History of the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield (1992). On Woolwich workers see D. Weinbren, 'Labour Representation in Woolwich', Labour History Review, 59:3 (1994), 17-19. On Hayes see M. Glucksmann, Women Assemble (1990), 112-115.
11. On the Enfield workers see T. Putnam and D. Weinbren, 'The Royal Small Arms Factory and Industrial Enfield 1855-1914', London Journal, 21:1 (1996) and T. Putnam and D. Weinbren, A Short History of the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield (1992). On Woolwich workers see D. Weinbren, 'Labour Representation in Woolwich', Labour History Review, 59:3 (1994), 17-19. On Hayes see M. Glucksmann, Women Assemble (1990), 112-115.
12. On the Enfield workers see T. Putnam and D. Weinbren, 'The Royal Small Arms Factory and Industrial Enfield 1855-1914', London Journal, 21:1 (1996) and T. Putnam and D. Weinbren, A Short History of the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield (1992). On Woolwich workers see D. Weinbren, 'Labour Representation in Woolwich', Labour History Review, 59:3 (1994), 17-19. On Hayes see M. Glucksmann, Women Assemble (1990), 112-115.
13. On the Enfield workers see T. Putnam and D. Weinbren, 'The Royal Small Arms Factory and Industrial Enfield 1855-1914', London Journal, 21:1 (1996) and T. Putnam and D. Weinbren, A Short History of the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield (1992). On Woolwich workers see D. Weinbren, 'Labour Representation in Woolwich', Labour History Review, 59:3 (1994), 17-19. On Hayes see M. Glucksmann, Women Assemble (1990), 112-115.
14. S. and B. Webb, The History of Trade Unionism (1920), 423-427.
15. M. Clapson, 'Localism, the LLP and the LCC Between the Wars', A. Saint (ed.), Politics and the People of London: The LCC 1889-1965 (Hambleton 1989), 128.
16. J. Davis, Reforming London. The London Government Problem 1855-1900 (Oxford, 1988), 5.
17. Barnet Press, 3 April 1926; Daily Herald, 6 March 1934; The Times, 3 November 1934.
18. Barnet Press, 3 April 1926; Daily Herald, 6 March 1934; The Times, 3 November 1934.
19. Barnet Press, 3 April 1926; Daily Herald, 6 March 1934; The Times, 3 November 1934.
20. P. Piratin, Our Flag Stays Red (1948), 46-47. Piratin was a councillor, the Communist Party London Organiser, later West Middlesex Organiser and, from 1945, Communist MP for Mile End Stepney. Naomi Wolff, a Labour Party councillor in Hammersmith from 1934, is quoted in D. Weinbren, Generating Socialism. Recollections of Life in the Labour Party (Stroud 1997), 210.
21. P. Piratin, Our Flag Stays Red (1948), 46-47. Piratin was a councillor, the Communist Party London Organiser, later West Middlesex Organiser and, from 1945, Communist MP for Mile End Stepney. Naomi Wolff, a Labour Party councillor in Hammersmith from 1934, is quoted in D. Weinbren, Generating Socialism. Recollections of Life in the Labour Party (Stroud 1997), 210.
22. T. F. M. Hinchcliffe, 'The Housing Market in Islington Between the Wars', (Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of London, 1991), 224; P. Matz, 'Socialists and Labour in Islington 1885-1939' (Unpublished B.A. thesis, Ruskin College, 1985), 43-50; on more recent developments of Labour's housing policies in Islington see P. Chamberlyne, 'The Politics of Participation: an Enquiry into Four London Boroughs, 1968-74', London Journal, 4:1 (1978), 57-8.
23. T. F. M. Hinchcliffe, 'The Housing Market in Islington Between the Wars', (Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of London, 1991), 224; P. Matz, 'Socialists and Labour in Islington 1885-1939' (Unpublished B.A. thesis, Ruskin College, 1985), 43-50; on more recent developments of Labour's housing policies in Islington see P. Chamberlyne, 'The Politics of Participation: an Enquiry into Four London Boroughs, 1968-74', London Journal, 4:1 (1978), 57-8.
24. T. F. M. Hinchcliffe, 'The Housing Market in Islington Between the Wars', (Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of London, 1991), 224; P. Matz, 'Socialists and Labour in Islington 1885-1939' (Unpublished B.A. thesis, Ruskin College, 1985), 43-50; on more recent developments of Labour's housing policies in Islington see P. Chamberlyne, 'The Politics of Participation: an Enquiry into Four London Boroughs, 1968-74', London Journal, 4:1 (1978), 57-8.
25. Quoted in Weinbren, Generating Socialism, 3.
26. Matz, 'Socialists', 13-18.
27. T. Hinchcliffe, '"This rather foolish piece of panic administration": The Government's Flat Conversion Programme in London 1919', London Journal, 19:2 (1994), 168-182.
28. N. Bullock, 'Fragments of a post-war Utopia: Housing in Finsbury 1945-51', Urban Studies, 26 (1989), 46-58.
29. R. Durant, Watling (1939), 22. See also E. Sewell Harris and P. N. Molloy, The Watling Community Association (1951), 21-24.
30. R. Durant, Watling (1939), 22. See also E. Sewell Harris and P. N. Molloy, The Watling Community Association (1951), 21-24.
31. A. Olechnowicz, 'Becontree Dagenham: an Analysis of an LCC estate Between the Wars' (Unpublished D.Phil, thesis, University of Oxford, 1991), 315.
32. T. Young, Becontree and Dagenham, (1934), 315.
33. P. Willmott, The Evolution of a Community: a Study of Dagenham after Forty Years (1963), 18-19, 109. The class structure is also discussed in R. Home, A Township Complete in Itself': A Planning History of the Becontree/Dagenham Estate (1997), 39-44.
34. P. Willmott, The Evolution of a Community: a Study of Dagenham after Forty Years (1963), 18-19, 109. The class structure is also discussed in R. Home, A Township Complete in Itself': A Planning History of the Becontree/Dagenham Estate (1997), 39-44.
35. Barking East Ham and Ilford Advertiser, 15 October 1925.
36. Daily Herald, 29 March 1926.
37. Olechnowicz, 'Becontree', 265.
38. On the complexities of collating local government results see G. D. H. Cole, A history of the Labour Party from 1914 (1948), 459. The election results throughout this article are based on the results published in reports in the following newspapers: Acton Citizen; Acton Gazette and Express; Balham & Tooting Citizen; Balham News; Barking, East Ham and Ilford Advertiser; Barnet Press; Becontree Chadwell Heath & Dagenham Citizen; Becontree Citizen; Becontree Dagenham & Rush Green Citizen; Bethnal Green Citizen; Bow & Bromley Citizen; Brockley News; Central Southwark Citizen; Chislehurst & District Times; Chiswick Times; Coulsdon & Purley Weekly Advertiser; Crayford & District Times; Crayford Chronicle; Crayford Chronicle & District Times; Croydon & Surrey Labour Outlook; Croydon Labour Outlook; Crystal Palace District Advertiser; Daily Herald; Daily Worker; Deptford Citizen; East Fulham Citizen; East London Advertiser, Eltham and District Times; Erith & Bexley Citizen; Evening News; Evening Standard; Fulham News; Greenwich Citizen; Hampstead & Highgate Gazette; Hertfordshire Record; Heston, Hounslow and Isleworth Citizen; Ilford Citizen; Isleworth Citizen; Kentish Leader, Maiden Times; Middlesex County Times; Muswell Hill Record Times; North East Bethnal Green Citizen; North Kensington Citizen; North Lambeth Citizen; North London Recorder; North Southwark Citizen; North Tottenham Citizen; Potters Bar Gazette; Richmond and Twickenham Times; Romford Times; Saint Pancras Guardian; South Hammersmith Citizen; South Southwark Citizen; Staines and Egham News; Star; Stoke Newington Citizen; Surrey County Herald; Thames Valley Times; Twickenham Courier, Uxbridge Parliamentary Division Citizen; Walthamstow, Chingford and Leyton Guardian; Wandsworth Chronicle; Watford Observer; Weekly Telegraph for Waltham Abbey; Welling & District Journal and Albany Gazette; West Drayton & Yiewsley Weekly Journal; West Fulham Citizen; West Middlesex Times, Staines Advertiser, Egham Courier and Feltham Observer, West Hertfordshire and Watford Observer; Berkhamstead Times, Tring Telegraph and Chesham News; West Leyton Citizen; West London & Fulham Gazette; Westminster Chronicle; Wimbledon Citizen; Woolwich Herald and the Woolwich Pioneer.
39. Daily Herald, 8 March 1937. On the relationship between local and parliamentary election results see J. Gyford, S. Leach and C. Game, The Changing Politics of Local Government (1989), 9; K. Young, Local Politics and the Rise of Party (1975), 32; J. Maud and S. E. Finer, Local Government in England and Wales (1953), 85.
40. Daily Herald, 8 March 1937. On the relationship between local and parliamentary election results see J. Gyford, S. Leach and C. Game, The Changing Politics of Local Government (1989), 9; K. Young, Local Politics and the Rise of Party (1975), 32; J. Maud and S. E. Finer, Local Government in England and Wales (1953), 85.
41. Daily Herald, 8 March 1937. On the relationship between local and parliamentary election results see J. Gyford, S. Leach and C. Game, The Changing Politics of Local Government (1989), 9; K. Young, Local Politics and the Rise of Party (1975), 32; J. Maud and S. E. Finer, Local Government in England and Wales (1953), 85.
42. Daily Herald, 8 March 1937. On the relationship between local and parliamentary election results see J. Gyford, S. Leach and C. Game, The Changing Politics of Local Government (1989), 9; K. Young, Local Politics and the Rise of Party (1975), 32; J. Maud and S. E. Finer, Local Government in England and Wales (1953), 85.
43. Poplar Metropolitan Borough (1899-1965) had the same boundaries as the previous Board of Works (created 1855) and the earlier Poor Law Union (1834). Such administrative longevity, which may have aided the sense of community, was unusual in London. On the community within Poplar see F. Bedarida, 'Urban growth and social structure in 19th century Poplar', London Journal, 1:2 (1975), 160-161, 164-166, 179-180; G. Rose, 'Imagining Poplar in the 1920s: Contested Concepts of Community', Journal of Historical Geography, 16:4 (1990) and R. O'Day, 'Before the Webbs: Beatrice Potter's early investigations for Charles Booth's inquiry', History, 78 (1993), 222.
44. Poplar Metropolitan Borough (1899-1965) had the same boundaries as the previous Board of Works (created 1855) and the earlier Poor Law Union (1834). Such administrative longevity, which may have aided the sense of community, was unusual in London. On the community within Poplar see F. Bedarida, 'Urban growth and social structure in 19th century Poplar', London Journal, 1:2 (1975), 160-161, 164-166, 179-180; G. Rose, 'Imagining Poplar in the 1920s: Contested Concepts of Community', Journal of Historical Geography, 16:4 (1990) and R. O'Day, 'Before the Webbs: Beatrice Potter's early investigations for Charles Booth's inquiry', History, 78 (1993), 222.
45. Poplar Metropolitan Borough (1899-1965) had the same boundaries as the previous Board of Works (created 1855) and the earlier Poor Law Union (1834). Such administrative longevity, which may have aided the sense of community, was unusual in London. On the community within Poplar see F. Bedarida, 'Urban growth and social structure in 19th century Poplar', London Journal, 1:2 (1975), 160-161, 164-166, 179-180; G. Rose, 'Imagining Poplar in the 1920s: Contested Concepts of Community', Journal of Historical Geography, 16:4 (1990) and R. O'Day, 'Before the Webbs: Beatrice Potter's early investigations for Charles Booth's inquiry', History, 78 (1993), 222.
46. B. Keith-Lucas, 'Poplarism', Public Law, (1962), 52. See also Thompson, Socialists, 181-182.
47. B. Keith-Lucas, 'Poplarism', Public Law, (1962), 52. See also Thompson, Socialists, 181-182.
48. N. Branson, Poplarism 1919-25 (1979), 15.
49. Entry of 25 October 1928 in M. Cole (ed.), Diaries of Beatrice Webb, 176. See also J. Gillespie, 'Poplarism and Proletarianism. Unemployment and Labour Politics in London, 1918-1934', in G. Stedman Jones and D. Feldman (eds), Metropolis: London (1989).
50. Entry of 25 October 1928 in M. Cole (ed.), Diaries of Beatrice Webb, 176. See also J. Gillespie, 'Poplarism and Proletarianism. Unemployment and Labour Politics in London, 1918-1934', in G. Stedman Jones and D. Feldman (eds), Metropolis: London (1989).
51. J. Marriott, The Culture of Labourism, the East End Between the Wars (Edinburgh 1991), 123, 163. See also J. S. Rowett, The Labour Party and Local Government: Theory and Practice in the Inter-war Years' (Unpublished D.Phil, University of Oxford, 1979), 204. On subsequent Labour politics in Newham see Newham Monitoring Project/ Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, Forging a Black Community, Asian and AfroCaribbean Struggles in Newham (1991); Chamberlyne, 'The politics of participation'; P. McCormick, Enemies of Democracy (1979); P. McCormick, 'Prentice and the Newham North-East Constituency: the making of historical myths', Political Studies, 29:1 (1981), 80-85; P. Dunleavy, The politics of mass housing in Britain, 1945-75 (1981), 335; H. Wainwright, Labour: a Tale of Two Parties (1987), 17-23; Guardian, 5 March 1994.
52. J. Marriott, The Culture of Labourism, the East End Between the Wars (Edinburgh 1991), 123, 163. See also J. S. Rowett, The Labour Party and Local Government: Theory and Practice in the Inter-war Years' (Unpublished D.Phil, University of Oxford, 1979), 204. On subsequent Labour politics in Newham see Newham Monitoring Project/ Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, Forging a Black Community, Asian and AfroCaribbean Struggles in Newham (1991); Chamberlyne, 'The politics of participation'; P. McCormick, Enemies of Democracy (1979); P. McCormick, 'Prentice and the Newham North-East Constituency: the making of historical myths', Political Studies, 29:1 (1981), 80-85; P. Dunleavy, The politics of mass housing in Britain, 1945-75 (1981), 335; H. Wainwright, Labour: a Tale of Two Parties (1987), 17-23; Guardian, 5 March 1994.
53. J. Marriott, The Culture of Labourism, the East End Between the Wars (Edinburgh 1991), 123, 163. See also J. S. Rowett, The Labour Party and Local Government: Theory and Practice in the Inter-war Years' (Unpublished D.Phil, University of Oxford, 1979), 204. On subsequent Labour politics in Newham see Newham Monitoring Project/ Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, Forging a Black Community, Asian and AfroCaribbean Struggles in Newham (1991); Chamberlyne, 'The politics of participation'; P. McCormick, Enemies of Democracy (1979); P. McCormick, 'Prentice and the Newham North-East Constituency: the making of historical myths', Political Studies, 29:1 (1981), 80-85; P. Dunleavy, The politics of mass housing in Britain, 1945-75 (1981), 335; H. Wainwright, Labour: a Tale of Two Parties (1987), 17-23; Guardian, 5 March 1994.
54. J. Marriott, The Culture of Labourism, the East End Between the Wars (Edinburgh 1991), 123, 163. See also J. S. Rowett, The Labour Party and Local Government: Theory and Practice in the Inter-war Years' (Unpublished D.Phil, University of Oxford, 1979), 204. On subsequent Labour politics in Newham see Newham Monitoring Project/ Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, Forging a Black Community, Asian and AfroCaribbean Struggles in Newham (1991); Chamberlyne, 'The politics of participation'; P. McCormick, Enemies of Democracy (1979); P. McCormick, 'Prentice and the Newham North-East Constituency: the making of historical myths', Political Studies, 29:1 (1981), 80-85; P. Dunleavy, The politics of mass housing in Britain, 1945-75 (1981), 335; H. Wainwright, Labour: a Tale of Two Parties (1987), 17-23; Guardian, 5 March 1994.
55. J. Marriott, The Culture of Labourism, the East End Between the Wars (Edinburgh 1991), 123, 163. See also J. S. Rowett, The Labour Party and Local Government: Theory and Practice in the Inter-war Years' (Unpublished D.Phil, University of Oxford, 1979), 204. On subsequent Labour politics in Newham see Newham Monitoring Project/ Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, Forging a Black Community, Asian and AfroCaribbean Struggles in Newham (1991); Chamberlyne, 'The politics of participation'; P. McCormick, Enemies of Democracy (1979); P. McCormick, 'Prentice and the Newham North-East Constituency: the making of historical myths', Political Studies, 29:1 (1981), 80-85; P. Dunleavy, The politics of mass housing in Britain, 1945-75 (1981), 335; H. Wainwright, Labour: a Tale of Two Parties (1987), 17-23; Guardian, 5 March 1994.
56. J. Marriott, The Culture of Labourism, the East End Between the Wars (Edinburgh 1991), 123, 163. See also J. S. Rowett, The Labour Party and Local Government: Theory and Practice in the Inter-war Years' (Unpublished D.Phil, University of Oxford, 1979), 204. On subsequent Labour politics in Newham see Newham Monitoring Project/ Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, Forging a Black Community, Asian and AfroCaribbean Struggles in Newham (1991); Chamberlyne, 'The politics of participation'; P. McCormick, Enemies of Democracy (1979); P. McCormick, 'Prentice and the Newham North-East Constituency: the making of historical myths', Political Studies, 29:1 (1981), 80-85; P. Dunleavy, The politics of mass housing in Britain, 1945-75 (1981), 335; H. Wainwright, Labour: a Tale of Two Parties (1987), 17-23; Guardian, 5 March 1994.
57. J. Marriott, The Culture of Labourism, the East End Between the Wars (Edinburgh 1991), 123, 163. See also J. S. Rowett, The Labour Party and Local Government: Theory and Practice in the Inter-war Years' (Unpublished D.Phil, University of Oxford, 1979), 204. On subsequent Labour politics in Newham see Newham Monitoring Project/ Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, Forging a Black Community, Asian and AfroCaribbean Struggles in Newham (1991); Chamberlyne, 'The politics of participation'; P. McCormick, Enemies of Democracy (1979); P. McCormick, 'Prentice and the Newham North-East Constituency: the making of historical myths', Political Studies, 29:1 (1981), 80-85; P. Dunleavy, The politics of mass housing in Britain, 1945-75 (1981), 335; H. Wainwright, Labour: a Tale of Two Parties (1987), 17-23; Guardian, 5 March 1994.
58. J. Marriott, The Culture of Labourism, the East End Between the Wars (Edinburgh 1991), 123, 163. See also J. S. Rowett, The Labour Party and Local Government: Theory and Practice in the Inter-war Years' (Unpublished D.Phil, University of Oxford, 1979), 204. On subsequent Labour politics in Newham see Newham Monitoring Project/ Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, Forging a Black Community, Asian and AfroCaribbean Struggles in Newham (1991); Chamberlyne, 'The politics of participation'; P. McCormick, Enemies of Democracy (1979); P. McCormick, 'Prentice and the Newham North-East Constituency: the making of historical myths', Political Studies, 29:1 (1981), 80-85; P. Dunleavy, The politics of mass housing in Britain, 1945-75 (1981), 335; H. Wainwright, Labour: a Tale of Two Parties (1987), 17-23; Guardian, 5 March 1994.
59. J. Marriott, The Culture of Labourism, the East End Between the Wars (Edinburgh 1991), 123, 163. See also J. S. Rowett, The Labour Party and Local Government: Theory and Practice in the Inter-war Years' (Unpublished D.Phil, University of Oxford, 1979), 204. On subsequent Labour politics in Newham see Newham Monitoring Project/ Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, Forging a Black Community, Asian and AfroCaribbean Struggles in Newham (1991); Chamberlyne, 'The politics of participation'; P. McCormick, Enemies of Democracy (1979); P. McCormick, 'Prentice and the Newham North-East Constituency: the making of historical myths', Political Studies, 29:1 (1981), 80-85; P. Dunleavy, The politics of mass housing in Britain, 1945-75 (1981), 335; H. Wainwright, Labour: a Tale of Two Parties (1987), 17-23; Guardian, 5 March 1994.
60. The Times, 2 September 1921; 3 September 1921. See also Woolwich Pioneer, 3 February 1922, 10 February 1922; 24 February 1922: Evening Standard, 28 October 1919, 29 October 1919; Star, 31 October 1919; Daily Gazette, 29 October 1919; Craysford Chronicle and District Times, 31 October 1919; 3 February 1922; Woolwich Herald, 7 October 1921.
61. The Times, 2 September 1921; 3 September 1921. See also Woolwich Pioneer, 3 February 1922, 10 February 1922; 24 February 1922: Evening Standard, 28 October 1919, 29 October 1919; Star, 31 October 1919; Daily Gazette, 29 October 1919; Craysford Chronicle and District Times, 31 October 1919; 3 February 1922; Woolwich Herald, 7 October 1921.
62. The Times, 2 September 1921; 3 September 1921. See also Woolwich Pioneer, 3 February 1922, 10 February 1922; 24 February 1922: Evening Standard, 28 October 1919, 29 October 1919; Star, 31 October 1919; Daily Gazette, 29 October 1919; Craysford Chronicle and District Times, 31 October 1919; 3 February 1922; Woolwich Herald, 7 October 1921.
63. The Times, 2 September 1921; 3 September 1921. See also Woolwich Pioneer, 3 February 1922, 10 February 1922; 24 February 1922: Evening Standard, 28 October 1919, 29 October 1919; Star, 31 October 1919; Daily Gazette, 29 October 1919; Craysford Chronicle and District Times, 31 October 1919; 3 February 1922; Woolwich Herald, 7 October 1921.
64. The Times, 2 September 1921; 3 September 1921. See also Woolwich Pioneer, 3 February 1922, 10 February 1922; 24 February 1922: Evening Standard, 28 October 1919, 29 October 1919; Star, 31 October 1919; Daily Gazette, 29 October 1919; Craysford Chronicle and District Times, 31 October 1919; 3 February 1922; Woolwich Herald, 7 October 1921.
65. The Times, 2 September 1921; 3 September 1921. See also Woolwich Pioneer, 3 February 1922, 10 February 1922; 24 February 1922: Evening Standard, 28 October 1919, 29 October 1919; Star, 31 October 1919; Daily Gazette, 29 October 1919; Craysford Chronicle and District Times, 31 October 1919; 3 February 1922; Woolwich Herald, 7 October 1921.
66. The Times, 2 September 1921; 3 September 1921. See also Woolwich Pioneer, 3 February 1922, 10 February 1922; 24 February 1922: Evening Standard, 28 October 1919, 29 October 1919; Star, 31 October 1919; Daily Gazette, 29 October 1919; Craysford Chronicle and District Times, 31 October 1919; 3 February 1922; Woolwich Herald, 7 October 1921.
67. Woolwich Pioneer, 24 December 1919.
68. ibid., 22 July 1921.
69. ibid., 10 June 1921; 8 July 1921.
70. Labour Party, Local Government Handbook 1924 (1924), 220.
71. Cited in Rowett, The Labour Party', 165.
72. ibid. 84-89, 213, 304.
73. J. Griffiths, Pages from Memory (1969), 174.
74. Until 1945 local government had responsibilities for housing, gas, education, water, electricity (until the creation of the Central Electricity Board in 1926), transport, and other municipal trading enterprises and for aspects of health provision, unemployment, planning, roads and poor relief. The London County Council and the City Corporation were allowed to build houses outside their own areas, as boroughs were not, and both Labour and Conservative governments sought to encourage such building.
75. J. A. Gillespie, 'Industrial and Political Change in the East End of London during the 1920s' (Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of Cambridge, 1984), chapter two. On the arms ring and the impact of private armaments manufacturers see D. Weinbren, 'The "Peace Arsenal" scheme: the Campaign for Non-munitions Work at the Royal Ordnance Factories after the First World War' (Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of Greenwich, 1990), and D. Weinbren, 'Working for the State: Royal Ordnance workers', Social History Society Bulletin, 21:1 (1996), 45.
76. J. A. Gillespie, 'Industrial and Political Change in the East End of London during the 1920s' (Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of Cambridge, 1984), chapter two. On the arms ring and the impact of private armaments manufacturers see D. Weinbren, 'The "Peace Arsenal" scheme: the Campaign for Non-munitions Work at the Royal Ordnance Factories after the First World War' (Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of Greenwich, 1990), and D. Weinbren, 'Working for the State: Royal Ordnance workers', Social History Society Bulletin, 21:1 (1996), 45.
77. J. A. Gillespie, 'Industrial and Political Change in the East End of London during the 1920s' (Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of Cambridge, 1984), chapter two. On the arms ring and the impact of private armaments manufacturers see D. Weinbren, 'The "Peace Arsenal" scheme: the Campaign for Non-munitions Work at the Royal Ordnance Factories after the First World War' (Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of Greenwich, 1990), and D. Weinbren, 'Working for the State: Royal Ordnance workers', Social History Society Bulletin, 21:1 (1996), 45.
78. J. Gillespie, 'Municipalism, Monopoly and Management: the Demise of "Socialism in One County" 1918-1933', Saint, Politics, 113.
79. Rowett, 'The Labour Party', 306. See also J. Gyford, Local Politics in Britain (2nd ed. 1984), 48-49.
80. Rowett, 'The Labour Party', 306. See also J. Gyford, Local Politics in Britain (2nd ed. 1984), 48-49.
81. The importance attached to this issue is discussed in J. Stewart, '"For a healthy London": the Socialist Medical Association and the London County Council in the 1930s', Medical History, 41:4 (1997), 417-36.
82. On health promotion in Finsbury see Bullock, 'Fragments', 52. There is a reproduction of the poster in J. Mack and S. Humphries, The Making of Modern London 1939-1945 (1985), 168.
83. On health promotion in Finsbury see Bullock, 'Fragments', 52. There is a reproduction of the poster in J. Mack and S. Humphries, The Making of Modern London 1939-1945 (1985), 168.
84. Rowett, 'The Labour Party', 260-261.
85. F. M. L. Thompson (ed.), The Cambridge Social History of Britain 1750-1950 Vol. 1: Regions and Communities (1990), 78-79.
86. Gyford, Local Politics, 63.
87. S. Yeo, 'A New Life: the Religion of Socialism in Britain 1883-1896', History Workshop Journal, 4 (1977), 16.
88. J. P. R. Maud, Local Government in Modern England (1932), 84, 228-234.
89. E. Smith, 'East End Jews in Politics, 1918-39: a Study in Class and Ethnicity' (Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of Leicester, 1990), 8.
90. J. Zeitlin, 'The Emergence of the Shop Steward Organisation and Job Control in the British Car Industry. A Review Essay', History Workshop Journal, 10 (1980), 126.
91. On how well trade unionism travelled see D. Lyddon, '"Trade Union Traditions." The Oxford Welsh and the 1934 Pressed Steel Strike', Llafur, 6:1 (1993), 106-114.
92. Jews were responsible for Whitechapel being a safe Liberal seat, according to Thompson, Socialists, 20.
93. G. Alderman, London Jewry and London politics 1889-1986 (1989), 75-77.
94. Catholic Times, 8 September 1919.
95. On the close nationalist links to the Labour Party see M. McDermott, 'Irish Catholics and the British Labour Movement; a Study with Particular Reference to London 1918-70' (Unpublished M.A. thesis, University of Kent at Canterbury, 1978), 64-68.
96. Editorial, London Catholic Herald, 17 November 1923.
97. On the percentage without die vote see the LCC Statistics 1921-23 discussed in Smith, 'East End Jews', 50. On the 'apathy and unreliability' of Irish voters see Thompson, Socialists, 27.
98. On the percentage without die vote see the LCC Statistics 1921-23 discussed in Smith, 'East End Jews', 50. On the 'apathy and unreliability' of Irish voters see Thompson, Socialists, 27.
99. P. Keleman, 'Labour Ideals and Colonial Pioneers: Wedgwood, Morrison and Zionism', Labour History Review, 61:1 (1996), 45-46.
100. E. Smith, 'East End Jews', 50 fn 7, 57-63 and Alderman, London Jewry, 69.
101. E. Smith, 'East End Jews', 50 fn 7, 57-63 and Alderman, London Jewry, 69.
102. Labour Party Annual Conference Report, (1946), 166. My thanks to Heather Deegan for this reference. There is further discussion of this by-election and the role of Poale Zion in P. Keleman, 'Zionism and the British Labour Party: 1917-39', Social History, 21:1 (1996), 71-87.
103. Labour Party Annual Conference Report, (1946), 166. My thanks to Heather Deegan for this reference. There is further discussion of this by-election and the role of Poale Zion in P. Keleman, 'Zionism and the British Labour Party: 1917-39', Social History, 21:1 (1996), 71-87.
104. B. Donoughue and G. W. Jones, Herbert Morrison: Portrait of a Politician (1973), 435.
105. McDermott, 'Irish Catholics', 176-178.
106. Alderman, London Jewry, 97 suggests that those Jews who joined the Communist Party did so in part because they were alienated by the right-wing Catholics in the Labour Party. See also H. Srebrnik, 'The Jewish Communist Movement in Stepney: ideological mobilisation and political victories in an east London borough, 1935-1945' (Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of Birmingham, 1983), 298; Piratin, Our Flag, 13.
107. Alderman, London Jewry, 97 suggests that those Jews who joined the Communist Party did so in part because they were alienated by the right-wing Catholics in the Labour Party. See also H. Srebrnik, 'The Jewish Communist Movement in Stepney: ideological mobilisation and political victories in an east London borough, 1935-1945' (Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of Birmingham, 1983), 298; Piratin, Our Flag, 13.
108. Alderman, London Jewry, 97 suggests that those Jews who joined the Communist Party did so in part because they were alienated by the right-wing Catholics in the Labour Party. See also H. Srebrnik, 'The Jewish Communist Movement in Stepney: ideological mobilisation and political victories in an east London borough, 1935-1945' (Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of Birmingham, 1983), 298; Piratin, Our Flag, 13.
109. P. Catterall, 'Morality and Politics: The Free Churches and the Labour Party Between the Wars', Historical Journal (1993), 667-685; N. Riddell, The Catholic Church and the Labour Party, 1918-1931', Twentieth Century British History, 8:2 (1997), 165-193.
110. P. Catterall, 'Morality and Politics: The Free Churches and the Labour Party Between the Wars', Historical Journal (1993), 667-685; N. Riddell, The Catholic Church and the Labour Party, 1918-1931', Twentieth Century British History, 8:2 (1997), 165-193.
111. McDermott, 'Irish Catholics', 165-167.
112. C. R. Attlee, As It Happened (1954), 48. Lily Gold quoted in Smith, 'East End Jews', 91.
113. C. R. Attlee, As It Happened (1954), 48. Lily Gold quoted in Smith, 'East End Jews', 91.
114. Alderman, London Jewry, 84-86, 163-164. On Davis see G. Alderman, 'M. H. Davis: the rise and fall of a communal upstart', Jewish Historical Studies, 21, (1988-90). See also the interview with Helena Roberts in Smith, 'East End Jews', 93.
115. Alderman, London Jewry, 84-86, 163-164. On Davis see G. Alderman, 'M. H. Davis: the rise and fall of a communal upstart', Jewish Historical Studies, 21, (1988-90). See also the interview with Helena Roberts in Smith, 'East End Jews', 93.
116. Alderman, London Jewry, 84-86, 163-164. On Davis see G. Alderman, 'M. H. Davis: the rise and fall of a communal upstart', Jewish Historical Studies, 21, (1988-90). See also the interview with Helena Roberts in Smith, 'East End Jews', 93.
117. W. Kent, John Burns, Labour's lost leader (1950) and C. Wrigley, 'Liberals and the desire for working class representation in Battersea 1886-1922', K. D. Brown (ed.), Essays in Anti-Labour History (1974), 126-158. Battersea was one of the eight London Labour Parties disbanded in the 1920s because of links with the Communists. Bethnal Green council was run by a Labour-Communist coalition from 1919 to 1928. The other areas did not return many Labour councillors.
118. W. Kent, John Burns, Labour's lost leader (1950) and C. Wrigley, 'Liberals and the desire for working class representation in Battersea 1886-1922', K. D. Brown (ed.), Essays in Anti-Labour History (1974), 126-158. Battersea was one of the eight London Labour Parties disbanded in the 1920s because of links with the Communists. Bethnal Green council was run by a Labour-Communist coalition from 1919 to 1928. The other areas did not return many Labour councillors.
119. Alderman, London Jewry, 61. On the reduction of the impact of the 'Irish vote' see J. Jupp 'Immigrant involvement in British and Australian politics', Race Today, (1969), 323.
120. Alderman, London Jewry, 61. On the reduction of the impact of the 'Irish vote' see J. Jupp 'Immigrant involvement in British and Australian politics', Race Today, (1969), 323.
121. See Woolwich Pioneer, August, September 1922.
122. ibid., 2 September 1921.
123. ibid., 21 January 1921.
124. T. Jeffrey, 'The suburban nation, politics and class in Lewisham', Jones and Feldman, Metropolis: London, 194, 207.
125. G. Stedman Jones, Outcast London: a Study in the Relationship Between the Classes in Victorian Society (1971), 349. Morrison's biographers argue that their subject was not autocratic. Donoughue and Jones, Herbert Morrison, 194-195.
126. G. Stedman Jones, Outcast London: a Study in the Relationship Between the Classes in Victorian Society (1971), 349. Morrison's biographers argue that their subject was not autocratic. Donoughue and Jones, Herbert Morrison, 194-195.
127. Quoted in Clapson, 'Localism, the LLP', 131.
128. For a discussion of generational replacement as a contributory factor to the realignment of political attitudes during the 1920s and 1930s see M. Childs, 'Labour Grows Up: the Electoral System, Political Generations and British Politics 1890-1929', Twentieth Century British History, 6:2 (1995), 135. For the view that variations in election results between neighbouring constituencies can be explained by reference to the social composition of the constituencies and the impact of gerrymandering, turnout and third parties see J. Curtice and M. Steed, 'Electoral Choices and the Production of Government', British Journal of Political Science, 12 (1982), 249-98.
129. For a discussion of generational replacement as a contributory factor to the realignment of political attitudes during the 1920s and 1930s see M. Childs, 'Labour Grows Up: the Electoral System, Political Generations and British Politics 1890-1929', Twentieth Century British History, 6:2 (1995), 135. For the view that variations in election results between neighbouring constituencies can be explained by reference to the social composition of the constituencies and the impact of gerrymandering, turnout and third parties see J. Curtice and M. Steed, 'Electoral Choices and the Production of Government', British Journal of Political Science, 12 (1982), 249-98.
130. Thompson, The Cambridge Social History, 79-80.
131. P. Dimoldenberg, 'The Evolving Role of the State and its Impact on the Development of Bermondsey, 1850-1975', Oxford Polytechnic Department of Town Planning Working Paper No. 24 (1977), 55; J. E. Turner, Labour's Doorstep politics in London (1978), 96; S. Goss, Local Labour and Local Government, a Study of Changing Interests, Politics and Policy in Southwark from 1919 to 1982 (Edinburgh 1988), 23-24, 33.
132. P. Dimoldenberg, 'The Evolving Role of the State and its Impact on the Development of Bermondsey, 1850-1975', Oxford Polytechnic Department of Town Planning Working Paper No. 24 (1977), 55; J. E. Turner, Labour's Doorstep politics in London (1978), 96; S. Goss, Local Labour and Local Government, a Study of Changing Interests, Politics and Policy in Southwark from 1919 to 1982 (Edinburgh 1988), 23-24, 33.
133. P. Dimoldenberg, 'The Evolving Role of the State and its Impact on the Development of Bermondsey, 1850-1975', Oxford Polytechnic Department of Town Planning Working Paper No. 24 (1977), 55; J. E. Turner, Labour's Doorstep politics in London (1978), 96; S. Goss, Local Labour and Local Government, a Study of Changing Interests, Politics and Policy in Southwark from 1919 to 1982 (Edinburgh 1988), 23-24, 33.
134. Anne Ward quoted in Goss, Local Labour, 21.
135. Woolwich Pioneer, 3 March 1922.
136. F. Thomas, Woolwich Pioneer, 29 October 1920.
137. See Woolwich Pioneer, July, October 1922. The 1911 and 1921 censuses record that over 93 per cent of Woolwich's population came from England and Wales, predominantly London.
138. J. Ferris, 'The Labour Party League of Youth 1924-40' (Unpublished M.A. thesis, University of Warwick, 1977), 161.
139. Branson, Poplarism, 167.
140. Quoted in Marriott, The Culture, 179-182.
141. Branson, Poplarism, 179.
142. S. Fielding, P. Thompson and N. Tiratsoo, 'England arise!' The Labour Party and Popular Politics in 1940s Britain (1995), 182. See also I. Murray, 'The advance of Labour and the Suburban Working class: a Study of Tottenham 1918-1929' (Unpublished M.A. thesis, University of Westminster, 1993), 62.
143. S. Fielding, P. Thompson and N. Tiratsoo, 'England arise!' The Labour Party and Popular Politics in 1940s Britain (1995), 182. See also I. Murray, 'The advance of Labour and the Suburban Working class: a Study of Tottenham 1918-1929' (Unpublished M.A. thesis, University of Westminster, 1993), 62.
144. Quoted in B. Humphries, 'The roots of Labour in a West London suburb - Ealing in the 1930s', unpublished history of the Ealing Labour Party (1993), 4.
145. T. Burke, The Outer Circle, Rambles in Remote London (1921), 46.
146. J. Dash, Good Morning Brothers! A Militant Trade Unionist's Frank Autobiography (1969), 31.
147. Thompson, Socialists, 101, 133.
148. E. Lebas, '"When Every Street Became a Cinema." The Film Work of Bermondsey Borough Council Public Health Department, 1923-1953', History Workshop Journal, 39 (1995), 42-66.
149. The films are now available on video and shown fairly often around the borough.
150. F. Brockway, Bermondsey Story (1949). On Bermondsey Labour Party's subsequent development see L. J. Sharpe, 'The Politics of Local Government in Greater London', Public Administration, 28:2 (1960), 163; Turner, London's, 204, 214; P. Tatchell, The battle for Bermondsey (1983), 19-25 and Goss, Local labour, 151.
151. F. Brockway, Bermondsey Story (1949). On Bermondsey Labour Party's subsequent development see L. J. Sharpe, 'The Politics of Local Government in Greater London', Public Administration, 28:2 (1960), 163; Turner, London's, 204, 214; P. Tatchell, The battle for Bermondsey (1983), 19-25 and Goss, Local labour, 151.
152. F. Brockway, Bermondsey Story (1949). On Bermondsey Labour Party's subsequent development see L. J. Sharpe, 'The Politics of Local Government in Greater London', Public Administration, 28:2 (1960), 163; Turner, London's, 204, 214; P. Tatchell, The battle for Bermondsey (1983), 19-25 and Goss, Local labour, 151.
153. F. Brockway, Bermondsey Story (1949). On Bermondsey Labour Party's subsequent development see L. J. Sharpe, 'The Politics of Local Government in Greater London', Public Administration, 28:2 (1960), 163; Turner, London's, 204, 214; P. Tatchell, The battle for Bermondsey (1983), 19-25 and Goss, Local labour, 151.
154. F. Brockway, Bermondsey Story (1949). On Bermondsey Labour Party's subsequent development see L. J. Sharpe, 'The Politics of Local Government in Greater London', Public Administration, 28:2 (1960), 163; Turner, London's, 204, 214; P. Tatchell, The battle for Bermondsey (1983), 19-25 and Goss, Local labour, 151.
155. N. Branson, History of the Communist Party of Great Britain 1927-1941 (1985), 168-71.
156. R. Price, Labour and Society (1986).
157. A. Reid, 'Politics and the Division of Labour 1880-1920', H. Mommsen and H. Huring (eds), The Development of Trade Unionism in Great Britain and Germany (1983).
158. J. J. White, The Limits of Trade Union Militancy (New York, 1978); Gillespie, 'Industrial and Political'; Goss, Local Labour, J. Bush, Behind the Lines; East London Labour 1914-1919 (1984); Marriott, The Culture.
159. J. J. White, The Limits of Trade Union Militancy (New York, 1978); Gillespie, 'Industrial and Political'; Goss, Local Labour, J. Bush, Behind the Lines; East London Labour 1914-1919 (1984); Marriott, The Culture.
160. J. J. White, The Limits of Trade Union Militancy (New York, 1978); Gillespie, 'Industrial and Political'; Goss, Local Labour, J. Bush, Behind the Lines; East London Labour 1914-1919 (1984); Marriott, The Culture.
161. J. J. White, The Limits of Trade Union Militancy (New York, 1978); Gillespie, 'Industrial and Political'; Goss, Local Labour, J. Bush, Behind the Lines; East London Labour 1914-1919 (1984); Marriott, The Culture.
162. J. J. White, The Limits of Trade Union Militancy (New York, 1978); Gillespie, 'Industrial and Political'; Goss, Local Labour, J. Bush, Behind the Lines; East London Labour 1914-1919 (1984); Marriott, The Culture.
163. D. Tanner, Political Change, 31.
164. F. Bealey and M. Dyer, 'Size of Place and the Labour Vote in Britain 1918-1966', Western Political Quarterly, 24 (1971), 84-113; W. P. Grant, 'Size of Place and Local Labour Strength', British Journal of Political Science, 2 (1972), 259-60; W. Miller, Electoral Dynamics in Britain Since 1918 (1977).
165. F. Bealey and M. Dyer, 'Size of Place and the Labour Vote in Britain 1918-1966', Western Political Quarterly, 24 (1971), 84-113; W. P. Grant, 'Size of Place and Local Labour Strength', British Journal of Political Science, 2 (1972), 259-60; W. Miller, Electoral Dynamics in Britain Since 1918 (1977).
166. F. Bealey and M. Dyer, 'Size of Place and the Labour Vote in Britain 1918-1966', Western Political Quarterly, 24 (1971), 84-113; W. P. Grant, 'Size of Place and Local Labour Strength', British Journal of Political Science, 2 (1972), 259-60; W. Miller, Electoral Dynamics in Britain Since 1918 (1977).
167. M. Savage, 'The Social Bases of Labour Politics in Britain 1919-1939', Occasional Papers in Sociology and Social Policy no. 14 (Guildford, 1988), 36.
168. N. Kirk, "Traditional Working Class Culture" and the "Rise of Labour": some Preliminary Questions and Observations', Social History, 16:2 (1991), 212-15.
169. D. Tanner, Political Change, 41-2.