Labour Party
‘The Labour Party is a democratic socialist party. It believes that by the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more than we achieve alone, so as to create for each of us the means to realise our true potential and for all of us a community in which power, wealth and opportunity are in the hands of the many, not the few. Where the rights we enjoy reflect the duties we owe. And where we live together, freely, in a spirit of solidarity, tolerance and respect.’
Clause 4 of the Labour Party constitution
The Labour Party was set up in 1900 to fight for representation for the Labour movement - trade unions and socialist societies - in Parliament. Its first leader was James Keir Hardie, one of the earliest Labour MPs. Though Labour was only in government for three short periods of the 20th century, its achievements revolutionised the lives of the British people. The values Labour stands for today are those which have guided it throughout its existence.