Hugh Gaitskell (1906–63,) fully Hugh Todd Naylor Gaitskell, was a British politician and economist, known for leading the Labour Party (1955–63) and serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer (1950–51.) He shaped post-war British economic policy and was central to Labour’s ideological debates.
Born in London, he studied politics and economics at New College-Oxford, later lecturing in political economy. Entering politics in 1945, he won a seat as MP for Leeds South. As Minister of Fuel and Power (1947–50,) he oversaw Britain’s energy sector during post-war reconstruction.
As Chancellor, Gaitskell introduced controversial National Health Service charges, causing a Labour Party split. His leadership saw struggles over Clause IV, Labour’s commitment to nationalization, and his opposition to British entry into the European Economic Community (EEC.)
His writings include Socialism and Nationalisation (1950) on Labour’s economic policies and The Challenge of Coexistence (1959) on Cold War diplomacy.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Hugh Gaitskell
Let us not forget that we can never go farther than we can persuade at least half of the people to go.
—Hugh Gaitskell
Topics: Politics, Politicians
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