In memory of Ted Knight, who passed away on 29 March 2020
This is from Chapter One of the forthcoming book Radical Lambeth (published by breviarystuff.org.uk).
The Labour Party won the Lambeth election in 1978 and the new left leadership of Ted Knight and his comrades had big plans for the borough….
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“The day after winning the council, Knight entered to the Town Hall determined to grab control with both hands.
The ornate Town Hall, designed by the Scottish Architect Septimus Warwick, shaped like a wedge and subsequently modified according to a baroque style, remains one of the most impressive local government buildings in London. The clock tower stands at an imposing 134 feet, guarded at four corners by statutes representing Justice, Science, Literature and Art. Previously the Chief Executive had enjoyed large office space whilst the leader of the council had to work in a small room alongside their chief whip and a secretary. Prior to 1978, the head of the council would usually pop into the Town Hall after work, have a chat with the CEO and perhaps imbibe a drink whilst the officer briefed him on their days work. Knight made it clear that he would be working at the council full time and quit his job as a contracts manager of a cleaning firm to work on a £60 a week allowance for attending committee meetings on the basis that “when you are in control of a £150 million budget it is nonsense to suggest that you can do it in your spare time.”
A journalist at the time commented “there was nothing ostentatious about his life style. He drives a 12 year old Rover, smokes thin Dutch cigars and wears sober business suits.”
Arriving to work in his most sober suit, Knight immediately moved the CEO into the smaller office and ensconced himself in the larger room. His office had an imposing desk with chairs for visitors and a conference table for meetings. This was no part time leadership and they were intent on the balance of power shifting from the officer caste to the elected politicians.
With Labour still in government and the radical left moving into position in local councils, Knight and his allies were confident that they were well placed to leverage their position for the cause of socialism – high spending, lots of jobs, an expanded industrial base in the borough. The manoeuvres to get to power in the Lambeth Labour group had been drawn out but the result had been an unqualified success for the left. For the time being, the Knight had become the king.”
Radical Lambeth 