democracy

Campaign for Labour Party Democracy

Background to the Collection

The Campaign for Labour Party Democracy (CLPD) started in 1973/74 and reached its height in the late 1970s and early 1980s, by which time there were nearly 300 affiliated organisations and some 450 individual members. The main stated objective of the group was "To campaign for greater participatory democracy within and between all sections of the Labour Party".

Major support and membership came from constituency Labour parties and trade unions, and the CLPD was active in increasing the role of such groups within the national party. The CLPD had some success in 1979 with the adoption of an electoral college for the selection of the party leader.

What is in the collection?

Material in this collection covers the period 1973-1991. Records include minutes, reports and discussion papers. Records relate to Dave Merrett’s role as Yorkshire Regional Key Person, and also relate to the meetings and activities of the group.

What areas of research would the collection support?

Material in this collection could be used as part of a wider study of the Labour Party in the late 20th century.

Are there any access issues?

There are no access issues associated with this collection and it will be made available to any accredited reader.

Is there any related material?

Related material can be found in the following collections:

  • Hull Labour Party [U DLP and U DX124]

  • Chris Mullen [U DMU]

  • Labour Solidarity Campaign [U DX315]


Please also see our Politics and Campaigning page for further guidance on our political collections.

See the online catalogue descriptions

U DX222