The Struggle for Labour's Soul : Understanding Labour's Political Thought Since 1945

'New Labour' is often accused of being obsessed with style rather than substance, and with image rather ideology. The Struggle for Labour's Soul examines how the party's political thought has developed from 1945 to the present day. It explores the divisions in the Labour Party between the old left, the new left, centrists, the old right and 'New Labour'. These ideological positions are examined in the context of the key political issues of the twenty-first century including constitutional reform, markets, equality, internationalism and globalization.

The book concludes with commentaries by renowned experts on the various competing traditions within the party. Featuring contributions by leading academics, journalists and politicians, this is the first major analysis of Labour's political thought for a generation.

Matt Beech is Senior Lecturer and Director of the Centre for British Politics at the University of Hull, UK.

Kevin Hickson is Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Liverpool, UK. 

Raymond Lord Plant is a Labour peer and Professor of Jurisprudence at Kings College London, UK.