Former MP Tom Clarke is knighted

A Labour politician who represented his community for more than 30 years served the Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill constituency at Westminster has been given a knighthood for “public and political service”.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Jan 2021, 09:16 BST
Tom Clarke MP 27.7.11 Picture by Jamie ForbesTom Clarke MP 27.7.11 Picture by Jamie Forbes
Tom Clarke MP 27.7.11 Picture by Jamie Forbes

Sir Tom Clarke, who served the Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill constituency, clocked up 33 years as an MP in total and his 19,519 majority in 2005 within this constituency was the largest in that Parliament.

He would go on to serve the area until 2015 when he lost the seat to the SNP.

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The award citation says that the former MP and councillor, who is already a papal knight, has “dedicated his life to fighting for the people he grew up with in North Lanarkshire”.

It adds: “Throughout his parliamentary career he was a champion for disabled people and a passionate advocate for disabled rights.”

Mr Clarke said: “I’m really very humbled.

“This is quite unexpected, and I regard it as not just being for me but for all my former constituents, family, friends, colleagues and especially for everyone in the wider community.”

During Mr Clarke’s career, he served as Minister for Film and Tourism under Prime Minister Tony Blair.

He also held the position of Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland under Labour leader John Smith.

Related topics:Tom ClarkeLabourTony BlairJohn SmithSNPParliament

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