Former Birmingham MP Roy Hattersley, a prominent figure in British politics, had a family history so remarkable it could have come from one of his own books. The Labour Party deputy leader was born to parents who eloped just two weeks after his mother married her first husband—a wedding ceremony conducted by Hattersley's father, then a Roman Catholic priest.
Early Life and Political Rise
Roy Sydney George Hattersley was born on December 28, 1932, in Sheffield, into what was described as the city's "respectable, working-class Labour aristocracy." His mother, Enid, was a formidable presence in local politics, eventually becoming lord mayor, and ensured her son joined the Labour League of Youth at a young age. His father, Frederick, was a Labour-supporting local government official and former priest. The couple reportedly did not marry until Enid's first husband died, and Hattersley only learned the full truth after both his parents had passed away.
Hattersley served as MP for Sparkbrook for over 32 years, from 1964 to 1997, though much of his career was spent on the opposition benches. He came close to power in 1992, telling a rally they were "about to take office because we have caught the spirit of the time," only to see the Conservatives win a fourth consecutive term. Following that defeat, both he and party leader Neil Kinnock resigned.
Political Struggles and Legacy
Hattersley was a key figure in Labour's "wilderness years" of the 1980s, battling internal ideological splits. He remained loyal to the party when allies like Roy Jenkins formed the Social Democratic Party (SDP), earning him the nickname "Rattersley" from critics. His "dream ticket" alliance with Kinnock helped defeat the hard-left Militant Tendency and steer Labour away from unpopular policies like unilateral nuclear disarmament and opposition to the European Community.
However, when Tony Blair finally returned Labour to power in 1997, Hattersley became one of his most outspoken critics, accusing him of abandoning socialist principles. A passionate advocate for redistribution and equality, especially in education, he was dismayed by New Labour's embrace of the market economy. Known for his gourmet tastes and love of fine wines, he was sometimes dismissed as a "Champagne socialist."
Personal Life and Writing
A prolific author and journalist, Hattersley wrote over 20 books, including novels, memoirs, and biographies, alongside countless articles for publications like The Guardian and The Spectator. He attended Sheffield City Grammar School and studied economics at the University of Hull, later becoming Sheffield's youngest councillor at age 25. In 1964, he entered Parliament, holding the marginal seat of Sparkbrook with a majority of under 1,300.
His ministerial career saw him rise to deputy defence secretary under Denis Healey, where he signed the order to deploy British troops in Northern Ireland. After Labour's 1970 defeat, he supported joining the European Economic Community, but remained with the party when Jenkins quit. In 1976, he backed James Callaghan for leader, earning a Cabinet post as prices secretary, though his career ended with the 1979 Tory victory.
Following the 1997 election, he was elevated to the House of Lords as Baron Hattersley of Sparkbrook. In 2013, he divorced his wife Molly after 57 years of marriage and later married his literary agent, Maggie Pearlstine. He passed away at age 93, leaving behind a complex legacy as a politician, writer, and champion of Labour values.
