Summary of "History Extra Podcast: Harold Wilson – The Rock 'n' Roll Prime Minister"

Release Date: January 3, 2025
Host: Spencer Mizzen
Guest: Alan Johnson, former Labour politician and Author of a Harold Wilson biography

Introduction: Harold Wilson's Central Role in 1960s Britain

The episode opens with a discussion about Harold Wilson’s pivotal role in shaping 1960s Britain, paralleling his influence with cultural icons like the Beatles and significant events such as the Profumo scandal. Alan Johnson, a former Labour politician and author, provides an in-depth analysis of Wilson’s impact and legacy.

Wilson’s Popularity and Personal Influence

Alan Johnson reminisces about Harold Wilson's immense popularity during his formative years. He recounts how Wilson was a constant presence during key life moments, such as his marriage and moving into a council home during a record housing provision year.

Alan Johnson [01:33]: "He was the Prime Minister when I left school, he was the Prime Minister when I got married... he brought down the voting age."

Johnson emphasizes Wilson's role in lowering the voting age from 21 to 18, a significant move that influenced his decision to join the Labour Party.

Breaking the Mold: Wilson’s Background and Public Persona

Wilson represented a significant departure from his predecessors. Unlike the aristocratic backgrounds of earlier Prime Ministers, Wilson was the first modern Prime Minister without a public school education and spoke with a genuine northern accent, making him more relatable to the public.

Alan Johnson [03:08]: "He was the first who wasn't educated at a public school... he spoke with a northern accent... he seemed more natural and he seemed more like the public that he, in a sense, presided over."

Embracing the 1960s Zeitgeist

Wilson adeptly aligned himself with the cultural revolution of the 1960s, engaging with contemporary movements and figures. His connection with the Beatles and his advocacy for technological and educational reforms positioned him as a forward-thinking leader.

Alan Johnson [05:53]: "He was involved and very much part of that era when it seemed almost palpable for us living through it."

Wilson’s speeches, particularly his 1963 "Great White Heat of Technology" speech, highlighted his commitment to education and modernization, laying the groundwork for initiatives like the Open University.

Wilson’s Upbringing and Commitment to Education

Born into a lower middle-class family, Wilson’s upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for education. Despite health setbacks and financial hardships, he excelled academically, eventually attending Oxford University, fulfilling his father's unfulfilled dream.

Alan Johnson [07:19]: "He was lower middle class... his father was an industrial chemist... he managed to get to Oxford... he was the outstanding pupil of his generation."

Political Ideology: Beyond Wilsonism

Johnson clarifies that "Wilsonism" as a distinct ideology is a misconception. Instead, Wilson was influenced by figures like Nye Bevan and Clement Attlee, oscillating between liberal and Labour principles. His Methodist beliefs and opposition to Marxist ideologies shaped his pragmatic approach to politics.

Alan Johnson [09:04]: "There wasn't any Wilsonism. There was Gateskillism... he was a great admirer of Gladstone... very much influenced by Baden Powell."

Major Achievements as Prime Minister

Wilson’s tenure is marked by significant social reforms that transformed British society. Key achievements include:

• Legalizing Abortion and Homosexuality: Facilitated by Home Secretary Roy Jenkins, these reforms were championed by Wilson despite potential backlash, particularly from his Catholic constituents.

  Alan Johnson [10:55]: "I think without Wilson approving it, it never would have happened."

• Divorce Law Reforms: Wilson introduced changes that made divorce more attainable for women, addressing long-standing legal inequalities.

  Alan Johnson [10:55]: "He changed that in his first term of office and said that if a woman had been abandoned for a period of time, then divorce was automatic."

• Health and Safety Legislation: The Health and Safety at Work Act significantly reduced industrial accidents, showcasing Wilson’s commitment to improving everyday lives.

  Alan Johnson [10:55]: "I don't think anyone's done more than Wilson."

Perception of Wilson as Machiavellian

Despite his achievements, Wilson garnered a reputation for being scheming and overly cunning. Johnson defends this perception by highlighting Wilson's strategic maneuvers, such as his discreet agreements with political opponents and his adept handling of party politics.

Alan Johnson [13:13]: "He was very clever. Sometimes too clever... the most unpompous Prime Minister and the most unpretentious that anyone has."

The Lavender List Controversy

A significant blemish on Wilson’s legacy involves the "Lavender List," a peerage list allegedly influenced by his political secretary, Marcia Williams. This sparked accusations of undue favoritism, although Wilson and Williams strongly denied any impropriety.

Alan Johnson [14:52]: "The Lavender List has stuck... But it was written on Marcia's lavender notepaper... They both vehemently denied it."

Internal Labour Party Dynamics

Wilson navigated complex internal party factions, balancing between the Bevanites and the more right-leaning members. His stance on Europe, advocating for remaining in the European Union, further polarized the party but ultimately showcased his foresight regarding Britain’s economic future.

Alan Johnson [16:35]: "Navigating that was really, really difficult... a political masterpiece was the way he handled it."

1970 General Election Defeat and Revival

The unexpected defeat in the 1970 general election initially dampened Wilson’s momentum. However, demonstrating resilience, he remained as leader, regrouped, and led the Labour Party to victory in subsequent elections in 1974.

Alan Johnson [19:41]: "He didn't resign... he stayed at the helm... and won [the 1974 elections]."

Resignation and Legacy

By 1976, Wilson chose to resign, honoring his promise to his wife, Mary Wilson, to leave politics and return to academia. His departure marked the end of a remarkable career characterized by both visionary reforms and political savvy.

Alan Johnson [21:13]: "He was very tired... it was a sad end for a great man."

Wilson’s Potential Perspective on 2024 Politics

Reflecting on contemporary politics, Johnson speculates that Wilson would find modern discourse more aligned with his own progressive values. He believes Wilson would appreciate ongoing social advancements and might offer valuable insights into today’s political landscape.

Alan Johnson [23:27]: "He was more Wilsonian than probably any other Prime Minister... he's very much Wilsonian."

Conclusion: Harold Wilson’s Lasting Impact

Alan Johnson underscores Harold Wilson’s enduring legacy as a Prime Minister who not only enacted significant social reforms but also embodied the spirit of his era. Wilson’s blend of relatability, intelligence, and strategic prowess left an indelible mark on British politics and society.

For more in-depth discussions on Britain's Prime Ministers, explore the History Extra podcast’s dedicated series on the subject. Visit HistoryExtra.com for additional resources and full access to episodes.