Ian Mikardo

Ian Mikardo
Member of Parliament
for Bow and Poplar
Bethnal Green and Bow (1974–1983)
Poplar (1964–1974)
In office
15 October 1964 – 18 May 1987
Preceded byCharles Key
Succeeded byMildred Gordon
Member of Parliament
for Reading
Reading South (1950–1955)
In office
5 July 1945 – 18 September 1959
Preceded byAlfred Bakewell Howitt
Succeeded byPeter Emery
Personal details
Born(1908-07-09)9 July 1908
Portsmouth, Hampshire, England
Died6 May 1993(1993-05-06) (aged 84)
Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport, England
Cause of deathStroke
Political party
SpouseMary Rosetsky (1907–1994)
Children2
NicknameMik

Ian Mikardo (9 July 1908 – 6 May 1993), commonly known as Mik, was a British Labour Member of Parliament.[1][2] An ardent socialist and a Zionist, he remained a backbencher throughout his four decades in the House of Commons. He was a member of National Executive Committee of the Labour Party in 1950–59 and 1960–78, and Chairman of the Labour Party in 1970–1971. He was also chairman of the International Committee of the Labour Party in 1973–78,[1] vice-president of the Socialist International (1978–1983) and honorary president (1983–1993).[1]

Mikardo was a Labour Member of Parliament for Reading 1945–50, Reading South 1950–55, Reading 1955–59, Poplar 1964–74, Bethnal Green and Bow 1974–83 and Bow and Poplar 1983–87. He was Chairman of the House of Commons Select Committee on Nationalised Industries, 1966–70. He issued many pamphlets, the most famous were Keep Left (1947) and Keeping Left with Dick Crossman, Michael Foot and Jo Richardson, 1950. He was also a Fabian essayist, a staunch friend of Israel, as well as friend and mentor to many in the Labour movement, where he made a great impact.

  1. ^ a b c "Tam Dalyell: Mikardo, Ian (1908–1993)". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004; online edn, May 2006. Archived from the original on 4 July 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  2. ^ "The New York Times: Ian Mikardo, 84, Dies - Led British Labor Party 11 May 1993 Accessed 21 August 2014". Archived from the original on 4 July 2024. Retrieved 16 February 2017.