The Labour Party, throughout its history, has been riddled with disagreements over policy, ideology and strategy. In response, successive leaders have had to balance two dilemmas: internal party democracy and unity, and the right to dissent, with the preservation of effective party governance. How it has done so has been the province of party management, one of the most vital functions performed by leaders. From 2010 to 2024, under Ed Miliband, Jeremy Corbyn and Keir Starmer, it wrestled with these dilemmas at peak intensity. This book explores the managerial strategies adopted by the three leaders, the challenges they faced and their use of the resources at their command. It examines in detail the two major crises of the strife-torn years of the Corbyn leadership, Brexit and antisemitism, and concludes with a detailed dissection of the tough new managerial regime installed by Starmer. Written by two experts who have published extensively on the Labour Party, the book draws upon an ambitious programme of interviews, participant observation and rigorous analysis of documentary evidence. It provides an in-depth account of what took place within the party during this period, including how leaders coped with deep divisions over core values, strategy, power structure and, indeed, the very purposes of the party.

Designed to appeal to a general audience, the book provides invaluable insights into Labour's stormy internal politics in these years and the leadership's efforts to manage multiple crises. It is essential reading for all those interested in the party and its recent history.