Sir Patrick Duffy, Oldest Former MP, Dies in Doncaster at 105

Former MP Sir Patrick Duffy dies aged 105 in Doncaster

Sir Patrick Duffy, the oldest former Member of Parliament, died on 2 January at the age of 105 at Doncaster Royal Infirmary in Doncaster, United Kingdom. A family friend stated that everyone who knew him would miss him.

Early life and education

Sir Patrick Duffy was born in Wigan in 1920. His family later moved to Doncaster for work in the South Yorkshire coalfield, where his father, James, worked as a miner. After World War Two, Sir Patrick studied at the London School of Economics. He then took a doctorate at Columbia University in New York. Following his studies, he became an economics lecturer at Leeds University.

Military service and wartime experience

During World War Two, Sir Patrick served in the Fleet Air Arm. He survived a crash at Scapa Flow in the Orkney Islands. He was read his last rites twice at the age of 23 but later returned to flying. The crash caused severe facial injuries, and he underwent experimental plastic surgery as a result.

Parliamentary and political career

Sir Patrick first stood for Parliament in 1950 in Tiverton, Devon. He successfully contested the Colne Valley seat in West Yorkshire in a by-election in 1963. He later held the Sheffield Attercliffe seat for the Labour Party from 1970 until his retirement from Parliament in 1992.

He served as a defence minister in James Callaghan's Labour government in the late 1970s. In the 1980s, he was president of the NATO Assembly, where he worked alongside various heads of state, including Pope John Paul II, as the Cold War came to an end.

Honours, later roles, and publications

Sir Patrick was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. A committed Catholic, he received a papal knighthood in 2017. In later life, he held several academic positions and was regarded as a voice in the field of naval warfare.

He published his second book, titled "From Wigan to Westminster: Hot Wars, Cold Wars and the Carrier Strike Groups," at the age of 103. At that time, he was reported as the second-oldest published author in the world. Kevin Meagher assisted him in writing his second book.

Pilgrimages and personal life

After retiring from Parliament, Sir Patrick undertook several pilgrimages. These included the Camino de Santiago, a 35-day walk of approximately 15.5 miles (25km) each day, which he completed annually for six years.

Sir Patrick lived in Doncaster near the colliery where his father had worked. He lived there with his three dogs. He is survived by his sister, Patricia.

Reactions to his death

A family friend said that everyone who knew Sir Patrick, across all age groups, would miss his kindness and humour. Kevin Meagher said he helped Sir Patrick write his second book. Sally Jameson, MP for Doncaster Central, stated that she was deeply saddened to hear that Sir Patrick Duffy had died and offered condolences to his family and friends.