In today's world, Albert Booth is a topic that has captured the attention of millions of people. From its relevance in history to its applications today, Albert Booth has been the subject of study, debate and exploration in a variety of fields. Over the years, it has become a fundamental element in our daily lives, influencing both our culture and our way of life. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Albert Booth, exploring its origins, its impact on society, and possible future implications.
Albert Booth | |
---|---|
Shadow Secretary of State for Transport | |
In office 14 July 1979 – 9 June 1983 | |
Leader | James Callaghan Michael Foot |
Preceded by | Norman Fowler |
Succeeded by | John Prescott |
Shadow Secretary of State for Employment | |
In office 4 May 1979 – 14 July 1979 | |
Leader | James Callaghan |
Preceded by | James Prior |
Succeeded by | Eric Varley |
Secretary of State for Employment | |
In office 8 April 1976 – 4 May 1979 | |
Prime Minister | James Callaghan |
Preceded by | Michael Foot |
Succeeded by | James Prior |
Minister of State for Employment | |
In office 5 March 1974 – 8 April 1976 | |
Prime Minister | Harold Wilson |
Preceded by | Robin Chichester-Clark |
Succeeded by | Harold Walker |
Member of Parliament for Barrow-in-Furness | |
In office 31 March 1966 – 13 May 1983 | |
Preceded by | Walter Monslow |
Succeeded by | Cecil Franks |
Personal details | |
Born | Acomb, England | 28 May 1928
Died | 6 February 2010 London, England | (aged 81)
Political party | Labour |
Alma mater | Northumbria University |
Albert Edward Booth (28 May 1928 – 6 February 2010)[1] was a British left-wing[2] Labour Party politician and cabinet minister.
Booth was born in Acomb, in the North Riding of Yorkshire, in 1928.[3] He was raised in Hampshire and South Shields, and educated at Marine School, South Shields, and Rutherford College of Technology (now Northumbria University).[3] He was a design draughtsman. He served as a councillor on Tynemouth Council 1962–65.
Booth contested Tynemouth in 1964.[3] He was Member of Parliament for Barrow-in-Furness from 1966 to 1983, and was Secretary of State for Employment from 1976 to 1979 serving under James Callaghan.[3] He also acted as the Labour Party's national Treasurer between 1983 and 1984.
After boundary changes, his seat was renamed Barrow and Furness, for the 1983 General Election but despite a 1979 majority of 7,741 he lost it to the Conservative Cecil Franks. This has often been attributed to Labour's unilateralist policy of nuclear disarmament, and Booth himself identified with that, leading a CND march through his constituency. However, his constituents were reliant on the defence industries, particularly shipbuilding, and this led to one of Labour's most unexpected defeats of the election.[2][4] However, a campaign against him centred in a local Catholic church, highlighting his record of voting in favour of women's right to choose to have an abortion, was also a significant factor.[citation needed] (Booth was a lay preacher in the Methodist Church.)[1]
Booth made it through to the final round in the Labour selection for Sunderland South ahead of the 1987 election, but lost out by four votes to Chris Mullin.[5] He unsuccessfully contested Warrington South in 1987.[3]
In 1957, Booth married Joan Atkinson (née Amis); they had three sons and were married until her death in 2008.[3]
Booth died at the Princess Royal University Hospital in Locksbottom, London, on 6 February 2010, at the age of 81; his health had been in decline due to a series of illnesses, including prostate cancer.[3]