Labour Veteran Roy Hattersley Dies at 93, Tributes Pour In Across UK Politics

Roy Hattersley the former deputy leader of the Labour Party and a prominent figure in British politics for more than three decades, has died at the age of 93.

The Sheffield born politician served as MP for Birmingham Sparkbrook from 1964 until 1997 and was widely regarded as one of Labour’s most influential voices. He held several senior government positions, including Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection under Prime Minister James Callaghan before Labour lost power in 1979.

Hattersley became deputy leader of the Labour Party in 1983, serving alongside Neil Kinnock during a crucial period in the party’s history following its heavy election defeat to Margaret Thatcher’s Conservatives. He played a key role in Labour’s modernization efforts, supporting policies such as European integration, the market economy, and multilateral nuclear disarmament.

Following his retirement from the House of Commons in 1997, he was appointed a life peer as Baron Hattersley of Sparkbrook and remained an active commentator, author, and columnist. Over his lifetime, he published numerous books and was known for his sharp political analysis and commitment to social democracy.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer led tributes, describing Hattersley as “a giant of the Labour movement” whose dedication to creating a fairer and more equal Britain never wavered. Former Labour leaders Neil Kinnock and Tony Blair also praised his conviction, intellect, humour, and lasting contribution to British politics.

Political figures across the spectrum remembered Hattersley as a principled politician who remained loyal to the Labour Party during some of its most challenging years. His death marks the passing of one of the last major figures from a generation that helped shape modern Labour politics.