Clement Attlee Biography
"Few thought him even a starter
There were many who thought themselves smarter
But he ended PM, CH and OM
An Earl and a Knight of the Garter."
- Clement Attlee on himself.
Clement Earl Attlee (1883-1967) was Britain's first post war Prime Minister, winning a landslide for Labour, helping to usher in a new era of British Politics.
Clement was the son of a solicitor but became converted to socalism whilst studying at University College, Oxford University. He started a legal career like his father, but, abandoned it and entered social work in London. After serving in World War I he successfully won a seat to parliament, standing for the Labour party. He held office during Labours, tenous periods in government between the wars. He became leader of the Labour party in 1935, and helped to rebuild the party badly shaken by the Great Depression and the National coalition of 1931, which was fronted by Ramsay McDonald, but largely Conservative in composition.
During the second world war he served as deputy prime minister to Winston Churchill's wartime government.
1945 Landslide Election for Labour
Contrary to many people's expectations the British public voted against War hero Winston Churchill and elected Labour with a large majority. Clement Attlee's success can be attributed to the bold manifesto which promised a new Welfare state and full employment. Following on from the misery of the Great Depression, the average soldier didn't want to return to a country with no jobs and no security.
Despite Britain being nearly bankrupt after the expensive war, the Labour party were largely successful in bringing in a new welfare state and National Health Service. This legacy has to a large extent, formulated a post war consensus amongst all political parties in support of the Welfare State.
Labour lost the 1951 election and Clement Attlee retired from politics in 1955
Clement Attlee at Number 10 Downing Street
Clement Attlee at BBC