BENN, Tony.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Speeches. First edition, presentation copy from Tony Benn to Prime Minister Harold Wilson, inscribed on the front free endpaper, "For Harold from Tony, 19-10-74". The volume links two of the key figures in the Labour's Party's history, bridging the divide between radical and moderate factions that has characterized the party since its inception.Wilson appointed Benn Secretary of State for Industry in March 1974, later demoting him to Secretary of State for Energy in June 1975. Benn was given relatively free rein to promote a more left-wing policy than Wilson's government was in fact adopting, with occasional admonishment when he overstepped the mark. Wilson was able, in practice, to limit Benn's policy changes within his department, impeding any real shift to the left within the party.Wilson gave the book to his political secretary Marcia Falkender, from whose estate it originated.

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