John Gunnell

William John Gunnell (1 October 1933 – 28 January 2008) was a Labour Party politician in the United Kingdom.

This article is about the British politician. For the English cricketer, see John Gunnell (cricketer). For the American politician, see John T. Gunnell.

John Gunnell
Member of Parliament
for Morley and Rothwell
Morley and Leeds South (1992–1997)
In office
9 April 1992 – 14 May 2001
Preceded byMerlyn Rees
Succeeded byColin Challen
Leader of West Yorkshire County Council
In office
1981–1986
Succeeded byCouncil abolished
Leeds City Councillor
for Hunslet Ward
In office
1986–1992
Preceded byTrevor Park
Succeeded byGeoffrey Driver
Personal details
Born(1933-10-01)1 October 1933
Birmingham
Died28 January 2008(2008-01-28) (aged 74)
Wakefield
NationalityBritish
Political partyLabour
Alma materUniversity of Leeds

Early life

He was born in Birmingham, and educated at King Edward's School, Birmingham. He gained a BSc in General Studies in 1955, and a PGCE in 1958 from the University of Leeds. As a conscientious objector during National Service he was a hospital porter at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London. In the 1960s he was a chemistry teacher at the United Nations International School in New York City. From 1970 to 1988 he was a Lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Leeds.

From 1977 to 1986 he was a councillor on West Yorkshire County Council, being the leader 1981–86. He was also a councillor on Leeds City Council 1986–92.

Parliamentary career

Gunnell initially stood for Parliament at Leeds North East in February and October 1974, but was beaten by Sir Keith Joseph on both attempts.

At the 1992 election he was returned as Member of Parliament (MP) for Morley and Leeds South. That constituency was abolished at the 1997 election, and he was re-elected for the new Morley and Rothwell constituency. At the 2001 election he retired due to ill-health, and the seat was held for Labour by Colin Challen.

Personal life

He was married with three sons and one daughter. He was a keen follower of sport, being a Member of both Yorkshire and Warwickshire County Cricket Clubs. He supported West Bromwich Albion Football Club as a child and watched most of Leeds United's home games between 1970 and 2005.

Gunnell died on 28 January 2008 in Wakefield aged 74.

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