Michael Foot, English journalist and politician, Secretary of State for Employment (b. 1913)

A Towering Figure in British Politics

Michael Mackintosh Foot (23 July 1913 – 3 March 2010) stands as one of the most distinctive and often-debated figures in 20th-century British politics. A formidable intellect, a passionate orator, and a dedicated socialist, Foot's extensive career spanned decades, moving from influential journalism to the highest echelons of the Labour Party, ultimately leading it through one of its most challenging periods.

Early Life and Journalistic Roots

Born in Plymouth on July 23, 1913, Michael Foot’s intellectual journey began not in Parliament, but in the vibrant world of journalism. He cut his teeth at renowned publications like the left-wing weekly, **Tribune**, and the more mainstream **Evening Standard**. It was during the fraught early years of World War II, in 1940, that Foot made a significant mark on public discourse. Under the collective pseudonym "Cato," he co-authored the searing polemic, Guilty Men, a book that excoriated British politicians for their policy of appeasing Adolf Hitler. This courageous and timely work resonated deeply with a public anxious about the war, solidifying Foot's reputation as a sharp, uncompromising voice and a rising intellectual force.

The Orator and the Left Wing

Michael Foot’s entry into formal politics saw him serve as a Member of Parliament (MP) across two distinct periods: initially from 1945 to 1955 for Plymouth Devonport, and then again, after a brief hiatus, for Ebbw Vale from 1960 until his retirement from Parliament in 1992. Throughout his long tenure, Foot remained a staunch voice for the Labour Party's left wing, never wavering from his core socialist principles. He was a truly passionate orator, known for his powerful, often poetic speeches that captivated audiences, even if they didn't always agree with his stance. A committed pacifist, he was an ardent supporter of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) during the Cold War era, advocating for unilateral nuclear disarmament by Britain. Furthermore, Foot was a vocal proponent of British withdrawal from the European Economic Community (EEC), foreseeing potential challenges to national sovereignty and the impact on the UK's industrial policy long before it became a mainstream debate in subsequent decades.

Rise to Cabinet and Deputy Leadership

His political influence grew steadily, leading to significant appointments within Labour governments of the 1970s. Under Prime Minister Harold Wilson, Foot joined the Cabinet in 1974 as Secretary of State for Employment, a crucial role during a turbulent economic period marked by industrial unrest and high inflation. He later served under Prime Minister James Callaghan, first as Leader of the House of Commons from 1976 to 1979, where he skillfully managed government business, and concurrently as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party from 1976 to 1980, proving himself a trusted lieutenant within the party hierarchy.

Labour Leadership and Challenging Times (1980-1983)

In 1980, following James Callaghan's resignation, Michael Foot was elected Leader of the Labour Party and, consequently, Leader of the Opposition. He emerged as a **compromise candidate** during a period of deep internal division within the party, particularly between its left and right factions. However, his tenure proved immensely challenging, coinciding with the rise of Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government. Foot's strongly left-wing political positions, which included radical proposals for nationalisation and withdrawal from the EEC, combined with criticisms of his perceived vacillating leadership and his age, made him an unpopular figure with sections of the public and media. He wasn't particularly telegenic, a factor often highlighted in the nascent age of televised politics, and his somewhat rumpled appearance earned him the affectionate, though sometimes derisive, nickname "**Worzel Gummidge**," after a popular scarecrow character of the time. This era was marked by significant internal strife; a right-wing faction of the Labour Party, disillusioned with the party's direction under Foot, famously broke away in 1981 to form the Social Democratic Party (SDP), further fragmenting the opposition to the Conservatives. Foot led Labour into the **1983 General Election**, an election fought on a deeply unpopular manifesto. The result was a devastating defeat, with the party securing its lowest share of the vote since 1918 and the fewest parliamentary seats it had held at any time since before 1945 – a bleak record that stood until Labour's defeat at the 2019 election. Following this crushing defeat, Foot honourably resigned the party leadership and was succeeded by Neil Kinnock.

Authored Works and Enduring Legacy

Beyond his political endeavors, Michael Foot was also a prolific and respected author. His literary contributions include the aforementioned polemic **Guilty Men** (1940), the acclaimed **The Pen and the Sword** (1957), a meticulously researched biography of the celebrated satirist Jonathan Swift, and an insightful biography of his close friend and fellow left-wing giant, Aneurin Bevan, published in two volumes in 1962 and 1973. His writing demonstrated his deep historical knowledge, his eloquent prose, and his unwavering commitment to his political and intellectual ideals, cementing his legacy not just as a politician, but as a significant intellectual and moral force in British public life until his passing on March 3, 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Foot

Who was Michael Foot?

Michael Foot was a prominent British Labour Party politician, journalist, and author who served as the Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition from 1980 to 1983. He was known for his passionate oratory and strong left-wing views.

When was Michael Foot Labour Leader?

He served as the Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition from 1980 to 1983.

What was "Guilty Men"?

Guilty Men was a highly influential polemic co-authored by Michael Foot in 1940 under the pseudonym "Cato." It strongly criticised British politicians for their pre-war policy of appeasing Adolf Hitler.

Why was Michael Foot called "Worzel Gummidge"?

Michael Foot earned the nickname "Worzel Gummidge" due to his somewhat rumpled appearance and unkempt hair, which was likened to the popular fictional scarecrow character in British children's literature and television.

What major political issues did Michael Foot champion?

Throughout his career, Michael Foot was a vocal supporter of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), advocating for unilateral disarmament. He was also a strong proponent of British withdrawal from the European Economic Community (EEC).

What books did Michael Foot write?

Besides Guilty Men, his notable works include The Pen and the Sword (1957), a biography of Jonathan Swift, and a multi-volume biography of Aneurin Bevan.