Roy Hattersley was the Labour heavyweight who quit active politics in 1997 after more than 30 years. Critical of Tony Blair, he is probably best known for his regular Guardian column. He is also the author of several books including novels based on his family and a memoir, A Yorkshire Boyhood. Roy Hattersley came from a solid Labour background and joined the party aged 17. He was educated at Sheffield City Grammar school and Hull university, became a Sheffield City councillor aged 24 and was elected MP for Birmingham Sparkbrook in 1964. He went on to gain extensive ministerial experience in defence, education, science, and foreign affairs. In opposition he spoke on the environment, home affairs and the economy. He was beaten to the job of Labour leader in 1983 by Neil Kinnock, but got the consolation prize of deputy. He was deeply disappointed at the 1992 election defeat and quit the deputy job to concentrate on writing. He was a key figure in the satirical Spitting Image TV programme and was represented as a tub of lard on the BBC's Have I Got News for You? when he failed to turn up in person. He is passionate about his belief in comprehensive education and condemns grammar schools and pre-entry interviews at secondary schools.