1988 Labour Party (UK) leadership election final 30% of the votes. Neil Kinnock became leader of the Labour Party in 1983 following the resignation of Michael Foot. The party had been moving towards the left, something that Kinnock sought to change. At the 1987 general election, Kinnock was placed front and centre of the Labour campaign, leading to claims that it was almost presidential. Margaret Thatcher's Conservative Party, seven points ahead in the polls, won the election despite a 1.2% swing to Labour. Rumours were spreading early in 1988 that Tony Benn was planning a leadership challenge against Kinnock. The 63-year-old Benn had lost his seat
Chairman of the Labour Party (UK) Chairman of the Labour Party (UK) The Chairman of the Labour Party in the United Kingdom is responsible for party administration, overseeing the General election campaigns of the Labour Party. When the Labour Party are in government, the Chairman is usually a member of the Cabinet holding a sinecure position such as Minister without Portfolio. The position was created by Tony Blair in the aftermath of the 2001 General Election. The position is not to be confused with that of Chair of the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party under the Labour Party Constitution. Originally considered a courtesy title,