The United Kingdom has lost one of its most enduring political figures with the death of Sir Patrick Duffy, who is believed to have been the nation's longest-living former Member of Parliament. He passed away on January 2 at the age of 105 following a short illness, as confirmed by family friend and author Kevin Meagher.
A Political Life of Service and Resilience
Sir Patrick's political journey began in 1950 when he first ran for Parliament. His perseverance paid off when he was first elected as an MP in 1963, winning the Colne Valley by-election. He later represented the Sheffield Attercliffe constituency from 1970 until his retirement in 1992.
Born in Wigan in 1920, his career was marked by significant defence roles. In the late 1970s, he served as parliamentary under-secretary of state for defence in James Callaghan's Labour government. He also acted as the opposition spokesman on defence in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
He was known for his principled stands, including being the only MP to directly criticise former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1981 over the death of IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands. Despite this early confrontation, the two later shared cordial meetings, including having tea together during Sir Patrick's tenure as president of the NATO Assembly in the 1980s.
From War Hero to Knighted Statesman
Sir Patrick's remarkable life stretched back to his earliest memory of the 1926 General Strike. His stoicism was forged during the Second World War, where he served in the Fleet Air Arm. He survived a horrific plane crash in the Orkney Islands, lying injured in the fuselage on a Scottish mountainside for 24 hours in freezing conditions. Medics had to stab a morphine needle into his frozen arm, and he was given the last rites, yet he recovered and returned to flying.
His service was recognised with a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. In 2017, he received a papal knighthood from Pope John Paul II, underscoring the breadth of his life's impact.
A 'Living Historical Jukebox' Remembered
Kevin Meagher, who helped write Sir Patrick's second book, described him as a "kind of a living historical jukebox" with incredible recall of events from the 1930s onwards. Sir Patrick authored books reflecting on his career, notably From Wigan To Westminster: Hot Wars, Cold Wars And The Carrier Strike Group, working with a typewriter or pen in a pre-internet style.
In a statement approved by the family, Meagher said: "An extraordinary man with a lifetime of accomplishments, Patrick leaves behind him family and friends... who will miss his kindness, humour and incredible acuity. Patrick's was a life well-lived, brimming with achievement... He will be greatly missed."
The passing of Sir Patrick Duffy marks the end of an era, closing the chapter on a century of British history witnessed and shaped by a dedicated public servant.
