Although a post with little power, in the past, it was often hotly contested by people who later became big names in British politics: Arthur Greenwood beat Herbert Morrison in 1943, Hugh Gaitskell beat Aneurin Bevan in 1954, who in turn beat George Brown in 1956, while James Callaghan beat Michael Foot in 1967.
Since the 1990s, the post has typically been held by a senior member of one of the larger Trade Unions.
Since the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA) came into force, the Labour Party has had to register a treasurer to the Electoral Commission, who becomes legally responsible for various returns to the Electoral Commission.
In 2008 the post was contested by the incumbent Jack Dromey and by human rights lawyer Mark McDonald, with Dromey being re-elected.
In 2010, former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott was defeated by Diana Holland.