ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the relations between Labour ministers and governments and the mandarins. It looks at the debate about strengthening the position of Labour ministers in relation to the Whitehall machine and the steps taken to introduce outside advisers and ministerial aides committed to the party. The chapter examines the adequacy of Labour’s policy preparations while in Opposition and the extent to which this factor might contribute to any problems later in office. In the aftermath of 1931 most of Labour’s parliamentary leadership continued to believe that the civil service was loyal to the government of the day whatever its political complexion, as Lansbury – who disagreed – complained. The purpose of party policy-making in Opposition should not be to make Labour ministers into automatons nor to make the civil service redundant.
