Frank Doran, Scottish lawyer and politician

Frank Doran, whose life spanned from 13 April 1949 to 31 October 2017, was a distinguished figure in British politics, primarily serving as a dedicated Labour Party Member of Parliament. His career was deeply intertwined with the city of Aberdeen, where he consistently championed the interests of his constituents over several decades.

A Career Forged in Aberdeen

Doran first entered the House of Commons in 1987, representing the constituency of Aberdeen South. During this initial parliamentary term, he quickly established himself as a voice for his community. However, the political landscape shifted, and he ultimately lost his seat in the 1992 General Election, a common challenge for even seasoned politicians in the Westminster system. Undeterred, his commitment to public service remained unwavering. He made a triumphant return to Parliament in 1997, a pivotal year for the Labour Party which saw a significant landslide victory nationally. This time, he was elected to represent Aberdeen Central. Later, reflecting boundary changes and his enduring connection to the region, he went on to represent Aberdeen North, solidifying his reputation as a steadfast advocate for the people of Aberdeen across various iterations of its parliamentary constituencies.

A Partnership in Politics

Beyond his parliamentary duties, Frank Doran shared his life with another prominent figure in Labour politics, Dame Joan Ruddock. As his wife, Dame Joan was also a respected former Labour Member of Parliament, forming a notable political partnership that spanned many years and saw both serving their country in the legislative arena.

Stepping Down and a Forward-Looking Perspective

In 2015, after a long and impactful career, Frank Doran announced his decision to retire from parliamentary politics, opting not to seek re-election. His announcement was accompanied by a remarkably candid and insightful reflection on the natural progression of political life. He famously stated, "I don’t want to be wandering around here as a skeleton...I think that we need to allow younger people to come through.” This sentiment underscored his belief in the importance of renewal and providing opportunities for a new generation of leaders to emerge and contribute to the nation's political discourse, ensuring the continued vitality of the democratic process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frank Doran

Who was Frank Doran?

Frank Doran was a prominent Labour Party politician in the United Kingdom who served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for various Aberdeen constituencies from 1987 until his retirement in 2015.

When did Frank Doran serve as an MP?

He first served from 1987 to 1992. After a period out of Parliament, he was re-elected in 1997 and continued to serve until he stepped down in 2015.

Which constituencies did Frank Doran represent?

Frank Doran represented Aberdeen South (1987-1992), Aberdeen Central (1997 onwards), and most recently Aberdeen North, all within the city of Aberdeen, Scotland.

Who was Frank Doran married to?

He was married to Dame Joan Ruddock, who was also a former Labour Party Member of Parliament.

What was Frank Doran's reason for retiring from Parliament?

He announced his decision to step down in 2015, expressing a desire to allow younger people to come through, famously stating, "I don’t want to be wandering around here as a skeleton..."