Gerald Kaufman’s key role in Labour’s revival

Matthew Hooberman remembers writing the first draft of Labour’s 1987 election manifesto with Gerald Kaufman (pictured). Photograph: Martin Argles for the Guardian

Stephen Bates’ obituary of Sir Gerald Kaufman states that he called Labour’s 1983 general election manifesto the longest suicide note in history. Gerald himself attributed the quote to Denis Healey. The task of writing the first draft of the 1987 election manifesto was then given to Gerald, a task I remember all too well doing with him. What is also not mentioned was his pivotal role as chair of the defence policy review group, which paved the way for a change in Labour unilateralist to a multilateralist disarmament policy and thus kickstarted the Labour party along the road to electoral viability.
Matthew Hooberman
Former chief of staff to Gerald Kaufman MP, 1987-92

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