John Silkin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Silkin
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Silkin in 1979
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| Shadow Secretary of State for Defence | |
| In office 24 November 1981 – 26 October 1984 |
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| Leader | Michael Foot Neil Kinnock |
| Preceded by | Brynmor John |
| Succeeded by | Denzil Davies |
| Shadow Leader of the House of Commons | |
| In office 8 December 1980 – 30 October 1983 |
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| Leader | Michael Foot |
| Preceded by | Michael Foot |
| Succeeded by | Peter Shore |
| Shadow Secretary of State for Industry | |
| In office 14 July 1979 – 8 December 1980 |
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| Leader | Jim Callaghan |
| Preceded by | Eric Varley |
| Succeeded by | Stanley Orme |
| Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | |
| In office 10 September 1976 – 4 May 1979 |
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| Prime Minister | Jim Callaghan |
| Preceded by | Fred Peart |
| Succeeded by | Peter Walker |
| Minister of State for Local Government and Planning | |
| In office 7 March 1974 – 10 September 1976 |
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| Prime Minister | Harold Wilson Jim Callaghan |
| Preceded by | Graham Page (Local Government and Development) |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Services | |
| In office 24 March 1972 – 5 March 1974 |
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| Leader | Harold Wilson |
| Preceded by | Barbara Castle |
| Succeeded by | Keith Joseph |
| Minister of Public Buildings and Works | |
| In office 30 April 1969 – 19 June 1970 |
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| Prime Minister | Harold Wilson |
| Preceded by | Bob Mellish |
| Succeeded by | Julian Amery |
| Government Chief Whip in the House of Commons Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury |
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| In office 4 July 1966 – 30 April 1969 |
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| Prime Minister | Harold Wilson |
| Preceded by | Edward Short |
| Succeeded by | Bob Mellish |
| Treasurer of the Household | |
| In office 11 April 1966 – 4 July 1966 |
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| Prime Minister | Harold Wilson |
| Preceded by | Sydney Irving |
| Succeeded by | Charles Grey |
| Member of Parliament for Lewisham Deptford Deptford (1963–1974) |
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| In office 4 July 1963 – 26 April 1987 |
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| Preceded by | Leslie Plummer |
| Succeeded by | Joan Ruddock |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 18 March 1923 London, England |
| Died | 26 April 1987 (aged 64) London, England |
| Political party | Labour |
| Spouse |
Rosamund John
(m. 1950) |
| Alma mater | University of Wales Trinity Hall, Cambridge |
John Ernest Silkin (born 18 March 1923, died 26 April 1987) was a British politician. He was a member of the Labour Party and also worked as a solicitor. He spent many years serving his country in different government roles.
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Who Was John Silkin?
John Silkin was an important figure in British politics. He was known for his left-wing views within the Labour Party. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for over 20 years. An MP is a person elected to represent a specific area in the House of Commons.
Early Life and Education
John Silkin was born in London, England. He was the third son in his family. His father, Lewis Silkin, was also a well-known politician. John went to Dulwich College for his schooling. Later, he studied at the University of Wales and Trinity Hall, which is part of the University of Cambridge.
During World War II, John Silkin joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. He served in the Navy from 1942 to 1946. He worked on large ships like HMS King George V and HMS Formidable. After the war, he finished his studies and became a solicitor in 1950. He worked in his father's law firm.
Starting in Politics
John Silkin first tried to become an MP in 1950. He ran for election in different areas several times. In 1962, he became a local councillor in St Marylebone. This was his first elected role.
In July 1963, he was finally elected to the House of Commons. He represented the area of Deptford. Later, after some changes, he represented Lewisham, Deptford. He remained an MP until 1987.
Important Government Roles
John Silkin held many important jobs in the government. In 1966, he became a member of the Privy Council. This is a group of senior advisors to the King or Queen.
He served as the Government Chief Whip from 1966 to 1969. The Chief Whip makes sure that members of their party vote in a certain way. He was also the deputy leader of the House of Commons.
Later, he became a Minister of Public Buildings and Works (1969–1970). He was also the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food from 1976 to 1979. In this role, he helped make decisions about farming and food in the UK.
Working in Opposition
When his party was not in power, John Silkin took on roles in the "Shadow Cabinet." This is a group of opposition MPs who watch over government ministers. They suggest different policies.
He was the Shadow Spokesperson for Industry from 1979 to 1980. He also served as the Shadow Leader of the House of Commons and the Shadow Defence Secretary. This meant he was the main opposition voice on these topics.
John Silkin tried to become the leader of the Labour Party in 1980, but he was not successful. He also ran for deputy leader in 1981.
Family Life
John Silkin was married to the actress Rosamund John. They got married in 1950 and stayed together until his death in 1987. They had a son named Rory. Rory also has a daughter, Natasha, who works in politics.
