10 Facts About Derek Fatchett

Derek Fatchett became Member of Parliament for Leeds Central in 1983 and was a member of the Labour Party.

Derek Fatchett was Minister of State for Foreign Affairs from 1997 to 1999.

Derek Fatchett attended the all-male grammar school, Lincoln School and then the University of Birmingham where he studied Law, graduating in 1966.

Derek Fatchett was more left-wing in his younger days in the 1960s and 1970s but moved towards the centre-left when an MP, leaving the Campaign Group in 1985.

Derek Fatchett was a councillor on Wakefield Metropolitan Council from 1980 to 1984.

Derek Fatchett became a lecturer in Industrial Relations at the University of Leeds in 1971, staying there until he became an MP.

Derek Fatchett was selected as the candidate for the new constituency of Leeds Central over Stanley Cohen, who had held the predecessor constituency of Leeds South East, but had considered defecting from the Labour Party to the Social Democratic Party and was opposed by the left wing of the constituency party.

Derek Fatchett contested the Bosworth seat in Leicestershire in 1979.

Whilst still in office, Derek Fatchett died suddenly on the night of Sunday, 9 May 1999, from a massive heart attack after collapsing whilst in a pub with his wife and a friend.

Derek Fatchett married Anita Oakes in Birmingham on 12 April 1969 and had two sons, Brendan and Gareth.