The political world is mourning the loss of Sir Patrick Duffy, a former Labour defence minister and the United Kingdom's longest-living former Member of Parliament, who has died at the remarkable age of 105.
A Century of Service and Survival
Sir Patrick passed away on 2 January after a short illness, as confirmed by a close family friend. His life was one of extraordinary longevity and historic breadth. He is believed to have been the oldest surviving former MP in the UK at the time of his death.
His service began long before his political career, during the Second World War. While serving with the Fleet Air Arm, Duffy survived a dramatic plane crash in Scotland's Orkney Islands. This brush with mortality prefaced a life dedicated to public duty.
From By-Election Victory to Ministerial Office
Patrick Duffy first stood for parliament in 1950 and successfully entered the House of Commons in 1963 after winning the Colne Valley by-election. He later represented the Sheffield Attercliffe constituency from 1970 until his retirement in 1992.
His ministerial career saw him appointed as Parliamentary Under Secretary for the Royal Navy in Prime Minister James Callaghan's Labour government during the late 1970s. His contributions were recognised with a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II, and he also received a papal knighthood from Pope John Paul II.
A 'Living Historical Jukebox' and Fearless Parliamentarian
Writer Kevin Meagher, who assisted Duffy with his memoirs, described the centenarian as a "kind of a living historical jukebox," a treasure trove of memories from meetings with figures like former Prime Minister Clement Attlee.
Duffy was also known for his principled stands. Meagher noted that the MP "took a lot of flak" for being the sole parliamentarian to berate Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1981 over the death of IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands. Despite this fierce parliamentary exchange, the two later shared tea, particularly during Duffy's tenure as president of the NATO Assembly in the 1980s.
A statement from Meagher, approved by Duffy's family, paid heartfelt tribute: "An extraordinary man with a lifetime of accomplishments, Patrick leaves behind him family and friends – across all age groups – who will miss his kindness, humour and incredible acuity in recalling personalities and events from a century ago."
It added: "Patrick’s was a life well-lived, brimming with achievement, the admiration of colleagues and the love and affection of his many family and friends. He will be greatly missed."
