The Clause Four Moment
The changing of Clause IV was seen by political commentators as the defining moment at which Old Labour became New Labour. Labour's "Clause Four Moment" has subsequently become a metaphor for any need or perceived need for a fundamental recasting of a political party's principles or attitudes. Accordingly, Conservative modernisers have argued that the Conservative Party must similarly undergo its "Clause Four Moment", rejecting past commitments and demonstrating, rhetorically at least, change to the electorate.
This has given rise in some quarters to a degree of cynicism among those who see the "Clause Four Moment" as nothing more than a stage-managed row where the leader takes on and humiliates the membership of his own party.
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