Harold Best

Harold Best (18 December 1937 – 24 August 2020) was a British Labour politician, electrician and trade unionist who served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Leeds North West from the 1997 general election until he retired at the 2005 election.

Harold Best
Member of Parliament
for Leeds North West
In office
2 May 1997 – 11 April 2005
Preceded byKeith Hampson
Succeeded byGreg Mulholland
Personal details
Born(1937-12-18)18 December 1937
Leeds, England
Died24 August 2020(2020-08-24) (aged 82)
NationalityBritish
Political partyLabour
Spouse(s)
Glyn
​
(m. 1960)​
Children4
Education
Occupation

Early life

During his childhood Best lived in Leeds, the city in which he was born on 18 December 1937 to Fred and Marie Best. He was educated at Meanwood County School and Leeds College of Technology, and worked as an electrical technician.[1]

Career

Best was selected as the candidate for Leeds North West, winning the seat unexpectedly in the 1997 general election and becoming the Labour Party's first holder of the seat since its formation. He began with a majority of 3,844 over his predecessor, Keith Hampson, and increased his majority in the 2001 general election to 5,236. He began as a supporter of his leader, Tony Blair, before vocally opposing the Iraq War.[1]

Best was involved in the opening of the new Wharfedale Hospital in Otley in 2004. He announced he would not contest the 2005 general election.[1]

Personal life

Best died on 24 August 2020, at the age of 82,[2] and was survived by his wife since 1960, Glyn, and their two sons and two daughters.[1]

References
  1. "Harold Best, Labour MP who 'had Leeds North West running through his veins' – obituary". The Telegraph. 26 August 2020. Retrieved 28 August 2020.
  2. Sobel, Alex (25 August 2020). "Tributes paid to Harold Best who has died aged 82". Alex Sobel for Leeds North West. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
Parliament of the United Kingdom
Preceded by
Keith Hampson		 Member of Parliament for Leeds North West
1997–2005		 Succeeded by
Greg Mulholland
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