It is with great sadness that I am writing to share the news that Roy Hattersley has passed away at the age of 93.
Roy was one of the great figures of the Labour movement. Across seven decades of public life, he combined a deep commitment to equality and social justice with an unwavering belief in the power of democratic politics to improve people’s lives.
From his election as MP for Birmingham Sparkbrook in 1964, through his years in government and as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Roy helped shape modern Labour and the country we serve.
Many members will remember Roy as one half of the Kinnock–Hattersley partnership that helped rebuild our party during some of its most difficult years. His intellect, wit and determination were matched by an enduring loyalty to Labour’s values and traditions.
Paying tribute, Keir Starmer described Roy as “a giant of the Labour movement” whose decades of service helped shape both our party and our country.
Lord Kinnock, who served alongside Roy as Labour Leader, reflected on their long partnership and friendship, remembering a politician of immense ability, principle and courage who was “an incomparable asset to the Labour Party, to British democracy and to wider humanity.”
Beyond politics, Roy was a gifted writer, historian and commentator. Whether in Parliament, in print or on television, he brought clarity, humour and conviction to public debate. Even after leaving frontline politics, he remained a thoughtful and passionate voice in our national conversation.
Today, our thoughts are with Roy’s wife Maggie, his family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Roy dedicated his life to Labour’s cause.
We honour his memory by continuing the work he believed in so deeply: building a stronger, fairer country for working people.
Yours,
Hollie Ridley
General Secretary
The Labour Party
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/gallery/2026/jun/14/roy-hattersley-a-life-in-pictures