Minister

Abstract

Mosley was widely expected, not least by himself, to be given a significant post in a Labour Government. Some even speculated that he might become Foreign Secretary. J.L. Garvin, editor of The Observer, was one. Lord Crawford expressed his horror at the prospect. ‘It is almost incredible that a sane journalist could make such a suggestion-it is all the more sinister in consequence, the idea that this cad should be at the F.O… I really feel that Garvin may be right in suggesting that this toady is designed for high office; but if this be true Ramsay MacD stands condemned as a judge of men, and his party would be justly incensed at such an appointment.’ Crawford expressed a widely held distaste for Mosley’s style, but this Tory Peer’s empathy with Labour’s ethos was understandably limited. The party hierarchy was constructed out of length of service, reputations for competence and the diversity of party interests. Long-established figures took the senior positions; those prominent within Labour’s successor generation were allocated secondary posts. Morrison took over Transport, but outside the cabinet; Dalton became Under Secretary at the Foreign Office. Garvin lamented Mosley’s marginalisation. ‘The FO I very much wished you to have. More youth is necessary. Gerentocracy is too much amongst us.’¹