Richard Wainwright, English politician (b. 1918)

Richard Scurrah Wainwright: A Dedicated Liberal Parliamentarian for Colne Valley

Richard Scurrah Wainwright (11 April 1918 – 16 January 2003) was a distinguished British politician and a long-serving Member of Parliament (MP) for the Colne Valley constituency, representing the Liberal Party. Born in Leeds, Yorkshire, Wainwright embodied the spirit of northern Liberalism throughout his extensive career in British politics.

His parliamentary service commenced in 1966, where he first secured the Colne Valley seat. This initial term, from 1966 to 1970, coincided with a period of significant social and economic transformation in the United Kingdom, often under Labour governments. During this time, the Liberal Party, though typically the third force in British politics, relied on steadfast figures like Wainwright to advocate for core liberal principles, including civil liberties, electoral reform, and economic responsibility. He provided a consistent voice for centrist policies within the House of Commons.

Following the 1970 General Election, Richard Scurrah Wainwright temporarily lost his seat. This reflected a national trend where the political landscape was largely dominated by a more pronounced two-party contest between Labour and the Conservatives, leading to a reduction in Liberal representation across the country. However, demonstrating his resilience and the strong local support for his candidacy, Wainwright successfully regained the Colne Valley seat in the snap election of February 1974. This election was particularly notable for producing a hung parliament and a significant surge in Liberal votes nationwide, highlighting a renewed interest in alternative political options among the electorate.

Wainwright then continued his dedicated service as an MP from February 1974 until his retirement from Parliament in 1987. During this extended second tenure, he witnessed dramatic shifts in the British political landscape, including the ascendancy of Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government and the subsequent formation of the SDP-Liberal Alliance. As a consistent and respected voice for the Liberal Party, he contributed to parliamentary debates on a wide range of policy areas, ensuring the Liberal viewpoint was heard and scrutinised. His profound commitment to his constituents in Colne Valley, a unique semi-rural and industrial area known for its textile heritage and strong community spirit in West Yorkshire, remained a defining characteristic of his parliamentary career.

Richard Scurrah Wainwright passed away on 16 January 2003, leaving a legacy as a committed public servant and a stalwart of the Liberal tradition in British politics. His two distinct periods of service as a Member of Parliament for Colne Valley underscore a career marked by unwavering dedication to his constituents and the enduring principles of his party.

Frequently Asked Questions about Richard Scurrah Wainwright

Who was Richard Scurrah Wainwright?

Richard Scurrah Wainwright was a prominent British Liberal politician who served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Colne Valley constituency for two non-consecutive periods, demonstrating a significant parliamentary career.

When did Richard Scurrah Wainwright serve as an MP for Colne Valley?

He served two distinct terms: first from 1966 to 1970, and then, after a brief hiatus, for an extended period from February 1974 until 1987. This shows his long-standing commitment to the constituency.

What political party did Richard Scurrah Wainwright represent?

He was a Member of Parliament for the Liberal Party, a central force in British politics which later evolved significantly, eventually forming a key part of the Liberal Democrats. He was known for upholding Liberal principles throughout his public life.

Why was there a gap in his parliamentary service between 1970 and 1974?

Richard Scurrah Wainwright lost his seat in the 1970 United Kingdom General Election, which saw a shift in the national political landscape. However, he successfully regained the Colne Valley constituency in the snap election of February 1974, reflecting his strong local support and the Liberal Party's resurgence in that election.

What was the significance of the Colne Valley constituency to his political career?

Colne Valley in West Yorkshire was Richard Scurrah Wainwright's political heartland, the constituency he represented for well over two decades. His consistent re-election (after 1974) highlighted the robust local support for his individual representation and the enduring appeal of the Liberal cause within this unique semi-rural and industrial area.