The language of priorities: Aneurin Bevan, Welsh labour and the politics of the past

Davies, Nye 2024. The language of priorities: Aneurin Bevan, Welsh labour and the politics of the past. British Journal of Politics and International Relations 26 (1) , pp. 62-78. 10.1177/13691481231158296

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Abstract

The past is integral to Labour Party politics, serving as a constant reference point in articulating a politics for the present and in responding to defeats. In Wales, however, 100 years of electoral dominance means that Welsh Labour has not had to respond to defeat in the same way. This article therefore analyses how Welsh Labour utilises the past when constructing its brand, articulating its ideology and challenging opponents. To do this, it analyses Welsh Labour politicians’ references to Aneurin Bevan, a significant figure in Labour history. The analysis argues that while Welsh Labour’s engagement with the past has helped it to maintain electoral dominance, the references do not engage critically with the party’s traditions, risk ideological inertia and signal potential dangers for the dominant party in a one-party dominant system.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Cardiff Law & Politics
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
ISSN:	1467-856X
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	19 February 2023
Date of Acceptance:	25 January 2023
Last Modified:	20 Feb 2024 15:31
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/157139

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