15 June 2026 , 09:06
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Roy Hattersley, former deputy leader of the Labour party from 1983 to 1992, has died aged 93.
The former Labour deputy was born in Sheffield in 1932, before entering Parliament as MP for Birmingham Sparkbrook in 1964. He held onto his seat for 33 years.
The politician, journalist and author published over 20 books, including histories, biographies and memoirs.
Sir Keir Starmer paid his respects to the late Labour deputy, writing: "Through decades of service, including as deputy leader and a minister, he never lost his belief in a more equal Britain.
"My thoughts are with his wife Maggie and his family", the prime minister added.
Lord Hattersley went on to serve as a cabinet minister under James Callaghan in the 1970s and would become the party’s deputy leader in opposition for nine years following Labour’s defeat to the Conservatives under Margaret Thatcher in 1983.
He joined the cabinet as secretary of state for prices and consumer protection in 1976, before Labour was pushed into opposition three years later.
Lord Hattersley is remembered for his vocal support on multilateral disarmament, the market economy and the European Union.
He joined the House of Lords as Baron Hattersley of Sparkbrook after leaving the Commons in 1997.
Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell described Lord Hattersley as a "giant of our movement".
Writing on X, she said: "This is sad news. Roy Hattersley, best known for being Neil Kinnock’s deputy leader, shaped the Labour Party and British politics.
"He was a giant of our movement and of that generation of politicians. I met him a few times and he was always kind, thoughtful and full of sound advice. RIP"
This is sad news. Roy Hattersley, best known for being Neil Kinnock’s deputy leader, shaped the Labour Party and British politics. He was a giant of our movement and of that generation of politicians. I met him a few times and he was always kind, thoughtful and full of sound… https://t.co/lsaXjQJfoP
— Lucy Powell MP (@LucyMPowell) June 14, 2026
New Labour strategist Alistair Campbell described Lord Hattersley as a "critical friend to New Labour."
He wrote on X: "Very sad. Labour through and through, a fine mind and gifted writer, a loyal and hard working deputy to Neil at a vital time in Labour history, and a critical friend to New Labour.
He added: "Sheffield Wednesday to the very end! RIP Roy"
Very sad. Labour through and through, a fine mind and gifted writer, a loyal and hard working deputy to Neil at a vital time in Labour history, and a critical friend to New Labour. Sheffield Wednesday to the very end! RIP Roy https://t.co/5M01kmXrGA
— ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@campbellclaret) June 14, 2026
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle also left a tribute for the late Lord Hattersley, writing on X: "So sorry to hear the sad news that Roy Hattersley has died, thoughts and prayers with his family and friends.
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