John Hutton, Baron Hutton of Furness, English academic and politician, Secretary of State for Defence

John Matthew Patrick Hutton, Baron Hutton of Furness, born on 6 May 1955, is a distinguished British Labour politician whose career has spanned both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, marked by significant ministerial responsibilities and contributions to public policy. His political journey began with his election as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Barrow and Furness, a constituency deeply rooted in naval engineering and industry in Cumbria, which he represented with dedication from 1992 until his departure from the Commons in 2010. This period saw him rise through the ranks during the transformative years of the New Labour government.

During his tenure as an MP, Hutton held a number of crucial Cabinet offices, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to public service. Most notably, he served as the Secretary of State for Defence from 2008 to 2009, a role that placed him at the heart of the UK's national security apparatus during a complex geopolitical period. Prior to this, he held the portfolio of Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, and subsequently Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, where he was instrumental in shaping economic and industrial policy. These positions allowed him to influence critical areas ranging from national defence strategies to fostering economic growth and innovation across the United Kingdom.

Following his departure from the House of Commons, John Hutton was elevated to the peerage, becoming Baron Hutton of Furness, thus continuing his service in the House of Lords. Beyond his direct political roles, he has also contributed significantly to strategic thinking and public discourse, notably serving as a former Chairman of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). RUSI is one of the world's oldest and most respected independent think tanks dedicated to defence and security, where Lord Hutton's experience and insights have undoubtedly enriched their important work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is John Hutton, Baron Hutton of Furness?
John Hutton is a prominent British Labour politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Barrow and Furness from 1992 to 2010 and held several key Cabinet positions, including Secretary of State for Defence and Secretary of State for Business. He was later elevated to the House of Lords as Baron Hutton of Furness.
When was Lord Hutton of Furness born?
He was born on 6 May 1955.
Which parliamentary constituency did he represent?
John Hutton represented the constituency of Barrow and Furness, located in Cumbria, from 1992 until 2010.
What were his most significant Cabinet roles?
His most significant Cabinet roles included Secretary of State for Defence and Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (later Business, Innovation and Skills).
What is the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI)?
The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) is a leading independent think tank in the United Kingdom dedicated to defence and security research. Lord Hutton previously served as its Chairman, contributing to its strategic analysis and public engagement.