London Labour Party x Greater London Labour Party

The London Labour Party was founded in 1915 and continued as the co-ordinating body of Labour activity in London until 1965 when the London County Council (LCC) and the Middlesex County Council (MCC) were replaced by the Greater London Council (GLC). The party was reconstituted as the Greater London Labour Party covering the whole of the GLC area.

The history of the London Labour Party is inextricably linked with the political activity of Herbert Morrison. He was secretary of the London Labour Party, 1915-1925, and he was chairman and leader of the LCC Labour Party from 1925 to 1940 when he was appointed home secretary and minister for home security in the wartime coalition government. Under his leadership, the LCC Labour Party held power on the LCC for 25 years from 1924-1950. During this period there was great activity in improving education, housing and other public services.

Many different groups were affiliated to the London Labour Party including local constituency parties, the LCC and MCC labour parties, trade unions, young socialists and the Cooperative Movement. Such a body of support allowed the party to undertake a publication programme, organise conferences and training courses, and direct campaigns on issues like housing and rents.