Tuesday 19 February 2008

Hampstead's socialist tradition

The grave of Hugh and Nora Gaitskell is one of the more promiment adorning Hampstead cemetery.

As was the fashion and in turn with Hampstead's intellectual left tradition, Gaitskell lived here amongst the set that dominated Labour politics for much of the middle 50 years of the 20th century.

He was leader of the Labour Party from 1955 to 1963 and has what can only be called a mixed reputation - further coloured by his early and untimely death.

Much compared to Blair (often unfairly) and too often remembered for having taken on his left wing within the Party.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Gaitskell

I was reminded of this picture - which I took ages ago, by the passing of Peggy Jay and Rose Hacker - two long serving Labour (most of the time) stalwarts.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peggy_Jay
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_Hacker

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Nice attempt to purloin Labour's tradition for your own benefit.

Liberals always have a curious envy of the figures and the history of the left.

Stick to hagiographies of Liberals.