Roy Hattersley: Labour politician who helped start the party’s modernisation

Roy Hattersley: Labour Moderniser and Key Figure in Party Evolution

Roy Hattersley, who passed away at 93, was a pivotal figure in Labour's post-war political landscape, renowned for his sharp intellect and eloquence. Despite spending over two-thirds of his career in opposition, his influence extended far beyond the shadow cabinet. Hattersley is often credited with pioneering modernisation strategies within the Labour Party long before the term became widely used, challenging the party's leftward shift following Margaret Thatcher's rise in 1979.

Family Roots and Early Political Engagement

Born in Sheffield on 28 December 1932, Hattersley grew up in a household deeply committed to Labour ideals. His mother, Enid, served as the city’s Lord Mayor and regarded her political allegiance as an inherent part of her identity. His father, also named Roy, shared this fervor, having once been a Catholic priest before leaving the church to marry Enid—just two weeks after his initial wedding to someone else.

“I was born into the party,” Enid Hattersley once said, reflecting her lifelong dedication to Labour values.

From an early age, young Roy displayed a passion for politics, participating in campaigns for local candidates and parliamentary hopefuls. His academic journey included a scholarship to Sheffield Grammar School, followed by a degree in economics at the University of Hull, a choice influenced by a friend’s belief in its importance for aspiring politicians.

Early Political Struggles and Breakthrough

After completing his studies, Hattersley briefly worked in a Sheffield steel mill and taught in further education before entering local politics. In 1956, he was elected to Sheffield City Council, serving as housing committee chairman. However, his ambitions quickly turned toward Westminster, where he first contested Sutton Coldfield in 1959. Though he failed to unseat the sitting Conservative MP, Harold Macmillan’s landslide victory marked the beginning of a journey that would see him switch parties.

By 1964, Hattersley had secured a Labour seat, defeating the Conservative incumbent in Birmingham Sparkbrook. This victory came after years of attempting to win 25 other constituencies. His early career, however, was hindered by his support for Hugh Gaitskell, a Labour leader who opposed policies like unilateral disarmament, which were central to the Trade Unions’ agenda. Harold Wilson maintained a cautious distance from Hattersley during this period.

Key Roles and Policy Contributions

Hattersley’s first significant role came as parliamentary private secretary to Margaret Herbison, the pensions minister. It took three years before he was appointed to a ministerial position, eventually becoming under-secretary of state at the Ministry of Labour under Barbara Castle. His task was to implement the contentious Prices & Incomes Act, which aimed to restrain wage growth to combat inflation. Simultaneously, Castle pushed for reducing trade union power through the White Paper In Place of Strife, advocating for ballots before strikes. The proposal sparked fierce debate in Cabinet, ultimately leading to its collapse.

Later, in 1969, Hattersley played a role in Northern Ireland policy, signing the order that deployed British troops while his superior, Denis Healey, was hospitalized. He also disbanded the B Specials, a controversial paramilitary group, and replaced it with the Ulster Defence Regiment. These actions showcased his pragmatic approach to governance. By 1970, he had held his seat but spent the next 27 years in opposition, save for five.

When Labour returned to power in 1974, Hattersley was given the responsibility of renegotiating the UK’s European Economic Community membership. His tenure as minister of state for foreign affairs was brief but impactful. In 1976, he supported Jim Callaghan in the leadership race and became secretary of state for prices and consumer protection, his last Cabinet post. His efforts laid groundwork for New Labour’s eventual success, culminating in Tony Blair’s 1997 victory.