The Independent Labour Party (ILP) was formed in the late 19th century as a response to the growing needs of the working class in the United Kingdom. The inaugural meeting took place in Manchester and brought together key figures from the labor movement, including prominent socialists such as Keir Hardie and other influential trade unionists. Their goal was to create a political party representing the diverse interests of the working class, providing a platform for voices that had been largely ignored by the mainstream political parties of the time. As workers began to organize for better conditions and rights, the ILP emerged as a necessary political entity committed to comprehensive social reforms.

During the meeting, attendees discussed various topics, including the need for better wages, labor rights, and social justice. The establishment of the party signified a shift from mere trade union activity to direct political engagement. Attendees emphasized that without a political voice, the struggles of the working class would go unheard. The ILP encouraged workers to participate in the political process, aiming to influence policy and challenge the status quo.

As the ILP grew, it started to attract a diverse membership, from trade union leaders to intellectuals and ordinary workers. The party also began to contest elections, aiming for representation in Parliament, and eventually became instrumental in the formation of the Labour Representation Committee, which later evolved into the Labour Party. The impact of this meeting reverberated throughout the British political landscape, permanently changing how worker interests were represented in governance.