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Harold Best
Harold Best MP.jpg
Best as an MP
Member of Parliament
for Leeds North West
In office
1 May 1997 – 11 April 2005
Preceded by Keith Hampson
Succeeded by Greg Mulholland
Personal details
Born (1937-12-18)18 December 1937
Leeds, England
Died 24 August 2020(2020-08-24) (aged 82)
North Yorkshire, England
Political party Labour
Spouse
Glyn
(m. 1960)
Children 4
Education
  • Leeds College of Technology
Occupation

Harold Best was a British politician who was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Leeds North West. He was part of the Labour Party. Before becoming an MP, he worked as an electrician and was involved in trade unions. He served in Parliament from 1997 until he retired in 2005. Harold Best was born on 18 December 1937 and passed away on 24 August 2020.

Early Life and Education

Harold Best grew up in Leeds, England, which is also where he was born on 18 December 1937. His parents were Fred and Marie Best. For his schooling, he attended Meanwood County School. He also studied at Leeds College of Technology. After his education, he worked as an electrical technician.

Political Career

Harold Best was chosen to represent the Labour Party in the area of Leeds North West. In the 1997 general election, he won the seat. This was a bit of a surprise win for the Labour Party in that area. He became the first Labour MP for Leeds North West since the area was created for elections.

When he first won, he had 3,844 more votes than the person who was MP before him, Keith Hampson. In the next election, the 2001 general election, he increased his lead to 5,236 votes.

At first, Harold Best supported the leader of his party, Tony Blair. However, he later spoke out against the Iraq War. In 2004, he helped open the new Wharfedale Hospital in Otley. He decided not to run for election again in the 2005 general election, choosing to retire from politics.

Personal Life

Harold Best passed away in North Yorkshire, England, on 24 August 2020. He was 82 years old. He had been married to his wife, Glyn, since 1960. They had four children together: two sons and two daughters.

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