ABSTRACT
The years 1945–51 were a crucible for the Labour Left. In the trade unions, and in the parliamentary party, it suffered both disillusionment and a diminution of influence. In stark contrast, however, the Left in the constituency Labour parties gained confidence and strength during this period. When the Labour government fell in 1951, the constituency parties had become the backbone of the Labour Left. Thirty-five years later, they remain so.
