This book investigates the complexities and challenges faced by the Labour governments of Harold Wilson between 1964 and 1970. Peter Dorey, drawing on newly released Public Records Office documents, cabinet papers, and interviews with former ministers, provides a comprehensive analysis of this pivotal period in modern British history. The work dissects the economic policies, foreign affairs, social reforms, and constitutional changes enacted, while also examining the internal party debates and the growing dissent among backbenchers. It contextualizes these domestic issues against external events and the broader political landscape of the era.

This text is regarded as an essential resource for students and researchers of politics and government due to its in-depth and original analysis of the 1964-1970 Labour governments. The author's extensive use of recently released primary sources, including unpublished cabinet papers and private ministerial documents, lends significant authority to the work. Its systematic approach covers a broad spectrum of policy areas, from economics and foreign affairs to social and constitutional reform, providing a comprehensive overview of a key period in British history. The inclusion of interviews with former ministers further enriches the narrative with firsthand accounts and perspectives.