Roy Hattersley, former Labour deputy leader, dies aged 93

Roy Hattersley, a prominent figure in the Labour Party and its former deputy leader, has passed away at the age of 93. Hattersley served under Neil Kinnock and was a key voice in the party during a period of significant political change in Britain.

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was a giant of the Labour movement. Through decades of service, including as deputy leader and a minister, he never lost his belief in a more equal Britain.

Born in Sheffield, Hattersley entered Parliament in 1964 as the Member of Parliament for Birmingham Sparkbrook. He maintained this seat for over three decades. Earlier in his career, he held a cabinet position under Prime Minister James Callaghan in the 1970s. Following Labour's substantial defeat in the 1983 general election, he took on the role of deputy leader, serving for nine years.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to Lord Hattersley, calling him "a giant of the Labour movement." Starmer emphasized Hattersley's enduring commitment to a more equal Britain throughout his decades of service. Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell also recognized his impact, stating he had "shaped the Labour Party and British politics" and described him as "kind, thoughtful and full of sound advice."

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shaped the Labour Party and British politics. He was a giant of our movement and of that generation of politicians. He was kind, thoughtful and full of sound advice.

Alistair Campbell, a former New Labour strategist, remembered Hattersley as "Labour through and through" and a "loyal and hard working deputy" during a critical time for the party. After leaving the House of Commons in 1997, he was granted a life peerage, becoming Baron Hattersley of Sparkbrook.

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Labour through and through and a loyal and hard working deputy to Neil at a vital time in Labour history.