Martin Flannery

Ex-Communist and headmaster who became the campaigning Labour MP for Sheffield Hillsborough

Published: 18 October 2006

Martin Henry Flannery, schoolteacher and politician: born Sheffield 2 March 1918; Headmaster, Crookesmore Junior and Infants School, Sheffield 1969-74; MP (Labour) for Sheffield Hillsborough 1974-92; Chairman, Tribune Group 1980-81; married 1949 Blanche Howsen (one son, two daughters); died Sheffield 16 October 2006.

In the feverish atmosphere of the Parliamentary Labour Party at the end of 1973, in the middle of the troubles of the three-day week when many were resigned to Labour's not regaining power, MPs whispered to each other: "The heavens are falling in. We have no chance. For example, Sheffield Hillsborough Labour Party have selected a raging left-winger, a former Communist!"

Article Length: 1575 words (approx.)