Colin Pickthall: A Loyal Yet Principled Labour MP
Colin Pickthall, the former Labour MP for Lancashire West who has died aged 81, was celebrated for his unwavering loyalty to the Labour Party, a commitment he embraced from his teenage years. This devotion, combined with a notable lack of personal ambition—a rare trait in Westminster—earned him a reputation as a highly reliable figure among senior frontbench colleagues and deep respect from fellow Labour backbenchers.
Standing Against Student Fees
Despite his innate modesty, Pickthall was a man of unshakeable principle. As a former schoolteacher, he strongly opposed a 2003 plan to introduce variable top-up student fees, which would have allowed elite universities to charge higher amounts. He famously expressed his internal conflict, stating, "Even contemplating voting against a Labour government makes my knees knock." This stance highlighted his dedication to educational equity and his willingness to challenge party lines when conscience dictated.
Reflections on the Iraq War and Animal Rights
Pickthall's principles extended beyond education. Having joined the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in 1963, he revealed in 2004, upon announcing his intention to stand down from parliament, that his vote in favour of the Iraq war the previous year had been a difficult decision. He criticised the "wrong intelligence" presented to the House of Commons, showcasing his critical thinking and honesty in political matters.
As a patron of Humanists UK, he campaigned vigorously for animal rights, particularly targeting hare coursing before its ban under the Hunting Act of 2004. In 1993, he introduced an unsuccessful private member's bill to ban what he termed the "last spectator blood sport," an issue of special significance in his constituency, home to the historic Waterloo Cup coursing event at Altcar, near Southport.
Parliamentary Career and Maiden Speech
When Pickthall entered the Commons in 1992, he used his maiden speech to acknowledge previous Labour MPs for the area, including former prime minister Harold Wilson and the maverick Robert Kilroy-Silk. He humorously noted, "Even if I had a scintilla of ambition to be prime minister I should never be daft enough to say so in front of a camera," focusing instead on local economic and housing issues.
His parliamentary roles included:
- Serving on the select committee on agriculture from 1992 to 1997.
- Becoming parliamentary private secretary to Alun Michael in the Home Office in 1997.
- Moving to serve as PPS to Jack Straw as home secretary and later foreign secretary from 1998 until 2005.
Known for his courage, Pickthall was not afraid to "sock it" to Straw in private if he believed his minister was wrong, making him an invaluable aide due to his lack of pomposity and keen sense of backbench sentiment.
Early Life and Post-Parliament Activities
Born in Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, Pickthall studied English literature and history at the University of Wales, Bangor, where he was active in the Labour club. He later earned a master's degree from the University of Lancaster, focusing on socialism's influence on 20th-century poetry. His career included teaching at Ruffwood comprehensive school and serving as a senior lecturer at Edge Hill College of Higher Education.
After leaving Westminster, he returned to the Lake District, becoming chairman of Ulverston Labour party and serving on Ulverston town council from 2012, leading it from 2016 to 2021. He was also a local historian, fell walker, and involved in environmental projects.
Legacy and Personal Life
Colin Pickthall is survived by his wife, Judy, whom he married in 1973, and their two daughters, Alisoun and Jenny. His life exemplified a blend of steadfast party loyalty and independent principle, leaving a mark on British politics through his advocacy on education, peace, and animal welfare.
