Rab Butler and the Emergence of the Post-War Consensus in the United Kingdom, 1941-1955

Abstract

This paper is based on material from the National Archives in London, the Conservative Party Archive in Oxford, published sources and academic literature focused on the work of the British Conservative politician Rab Butler and his influence on the formation of the post-war consensus. While the Conservative Party was in opposition he was a key influence in changing and modernising its programme. Under his chairmanship, for example, the Industrial Charter that advocated a mixed economy and limited planning was produced. But as Chancellor of the Exchequer his legacy is not as clear-cut as many historians suggest. Some aspects of economic policy may lead to questioning the term of Butskellism, which is often used to describe the period of harmony between him and his Labour predecessor.