Labour loses office, despite polling more votes than the Conservatives. Constant left-right struggle between the supporters of Bevan and the leadership. Bevan is expelled in 1955 but readmitted soon after. Attlee resigns after the Conservative majority increases. Gaitskell is elected leader.
Labour opposes the Suez invasion.
The Conservatives increase their majority to three figures on the back of prosperity. 1960 Bevan dies. Labour begins a run of byelection successes as Macmillan's government becomes unpopular. Hugh Gaitskell dies suddenly. Harold Wilson succeeds him.