Former long-serving Labour MP Austin Mitchell dies aged 86

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has led tributes to the former Great Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell following his death at the age of 86.

Mr Mitchell was a colourful figure who represented the North East Lincolnshire port for 38 years, from 1977 to 2015, after a career in TV during the 1970s.

Following his death on Wednesday, Sir Keir said: “Austin served his constituency of Great Grimsby with remarkable commitment for 38 years.

“There are few MPs whose dedication to their constituents would translate into changing their surname to ‘Haddock’ to promote local industry.

“His big sense of humour was matched by his deep Labour values. My thoughts are with his wife Linda and his children.”

Mr Mitchell was a well-known reporter and presenter with ITV’s Calendar regional news programme for many years before he won a by-election in Grimsby in 1977.

He was born in Bradford in 1934 and studied history before moving to New Zealand, where he worked as a university lecturer in the subject in the 1960s.

His brief change of name to Austin Haddock came in 2002 as part of a bid to boost Grimsby’s fishing industry.

Mr Mitchell, who leaves four children, married his second wife, Linda McDougall, in 1976.

He is understood to have died at Leeds General Infirmary on Wednesday morning.

“He was a larger-than-life character, secured lost pensions compensation for the last generation of Grimsby’s fishermen and was a vociferous opponent of council housing stock transfers to arms length management organisations.

“Not without controversy, he will most likely be remembered as the MP who changed his name to Austin Haddock but equally he was a tireless champion of the people and town of Grimsby, never forgetting who he was there to represent.

“On a personal level, Austin was unfailingly supportive to me as a new MP, still a bruising advocate of the Labour Party and gave his time, advice and expertise generously.

“It was a pleasure to get to know him and I send my heartfelt condolences to Linda, his family and close friends for their loss.”

Many of those remembering Mr Mitchell recalled his most famous moment as a TV presenter when, in 1974, he chaired a prickly encounter between the former Leeds United managers Don Revie and Brian Clough.

Former Downing Street director of communications Alastair Campbell said on Twitter: “Sorry to hear of the death of Austin Mitchell.

“Great contact when I was a journo and great company when I was with Labour, even when we disagreed.

“Best known of course as an MP but a place in history as TV Interviewer who did the ‘real life’ Brian Clough-Don Revie interview immortalised in Damned United. RIP.”

Great Grimsby Labour Party said: “His passion for Grimsby knew no bounds. His good humour, kind nature and booming laugh will never be forgotten in our town or our party.”

Great Grimsby MP Lia Nici, who won the seat for the Conservatives in 2019, said: “I am very sad to hear about the loss of my friend and predecessor, Austin Mitchell.

“I learnt an awful lot from him. He worked incredibly hard for Great Grimsby and will be sadly missed.

“My deep condolences to Linda and the family at this time.”