Lib-Lab Pact

Lib-Lab Pact

1903 - Liberals forged agreement with LRC leader - Ramsay Macdonald
Liberals agreed that they would not oppose LRC candidates in next general election
1. In 30 selected constituencies (electoral areas or divisions) in England and Wales where a Labour candidate was more likely to defeat the Conservatives
In return, LRC promised to restrict their candidates in other constituencies
1. Prevented split in anti-conservative vote
  1. This had happened in North-East Lanark by election in 1901 Liberals didn't want repetition of this
  2. Would harm election chances
The parties shared similar ideas about social reform and working class reform and free trade
Pact worked well for the LRC party
1. Put up just 50 candidates in the 1906 election and gained 29 seats
  1. Gave them new political power that led to the adoption of title 'The Labour Party'
LRC no real challenge to Liberals
1. Could be due to financial needs
  1. As LRC were no longer a rival, it would reduce Liberals own election costs
Ramsay MacDonald moderate leader and radical socialist ideas confined to more extreme side of movement
1. LRC seemed safe allies
Liberals convinced they had more to gain than lose through this alliance
Increased size of Conservative defeat but whether Liberals did themselves any service through this pact is questionable

Resource summary

	Created by ellen.harrison about 10 years ago