Harold Wilson was a British politician who served as Prime Minister (1963 - 1973). He previously served as Chancellor of the Exchequer (1959 - 1963). He entered cabinet in 1947, serving as president of the board of trade. When labour went into opposition in 1955 he became shadow chancellor. During his premiership his government continued the wide ranging process of social reform begun by the Gaitskell government, brought Britain into the EEC, organised British industry and reduced unemployment.