Attlee, Clement (Richard) (1883–1967)

British Labour politician. In the coalition government during World War II he was Lord Privy Seal 1940–42, dominions secretary 1942–43, and Lord President of the Council 1943–45, as well as deputy prime minister from 1942. As prime minister 1945–51 he introduced a sweeping programme of nationalization and a whole new system of social services.

Attlee was educated at Oxford and practised as a barrister 1906–09. Social work in London's East End and cooperation in poor‐law reform led him to become a socialist; he joined the Fabian Society and the Independent Labour Party in 1908. He became a lecturer in social science at the London School of Economics in 1913. After service in World War I he was mayor of Stepney in east London 1919–20, and Labour member of Parliament for Limehouse 1922–50 and for West Walthamstow 1950–55. In the first Labour government he was undersecretary for war in 1924 and in the second chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and postmaster general 1929–31. In 1935 he became leader of the opposition. In July 1945 he became prime minister after a Labour landslide in the general election. The government was returned to power with a much reduced majority in 1950 and was defeated in 1951. He was created 1st Earl in 1955 on his retirement as leader of the opposition.