Key Highlights
- Mark Fisher was the “last Old Etonian on the Labour benches” and served as a long-serving MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central.
- Fisher was appointed as Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in 1997 under Tony Blair’s government.
- He remained sceptical of ‘Cool Britannia’ and often clashed with his party leader over arts policy.
- Fisher left parliament in 2010 due to ill health and was known for his left-wing views on a range of social issues.
Mark Fisher: The Last Old Etonian on the Labour Benches
The death of Mark Fisher, the long-serving Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, marks an end to an era in British politics. Known as the “last Old Etonian” on the Labour back benches, Fisher served a 36-year career and was deeply involved in arts policy during his time in government.
A Life of Contrasts
Mark Fisher’s journey into politics began at Cambridge University, where he joined the Labour Party as an undergraduate. His father, Sir Nigel Fisher, had been a long-serving Conservative MP for Surbiton, creating a unique political backdrop for the son to navigate. Despite his upper-class origins, Fisher represented one of Britain’s most deprived constituencies, demonstrating a commitment to social justice and progressive values.
A Force in Arts Policy
Fisher’s role as arts spokesman under Tony Blair was crucial during the early years of New Labour’s government. He championed high culture and opposed the privatization of museums, reflecting his belief that the arts should be accessible to all. His efforts were instrumental in shaping the 1997 manifesto, which aimed to promote a “brave new artistic world.”
However, Fisher’s outspokenness on cultural issues often put him at odds with Blair’s vision for ‘Cool Britannia.’ He criticized what he saw as an over-reliance on music and youth culture in the government’s approach. This tension became evident when Fisher attended events like the Brit Awards and Glastonbury Festival, actions that were sometimes seen by his colleagues as missteps.
A Political Dissenter
As Tony Blair reshuffled his cabinet in 1998, Fisher was removed from his post. His departure highlighted a growing divide within the Labour Party between those who sought to modernize and those like Fisher who valued traditional values of public service. Fisher’s political dissent only intensified over time, culminating in his call for Gordon Brown’s resignation as Prime Minister by 2009.
Legacy and Ill Health
Mark Fisher’s final years were marked by health issues, including hydrocephalus. Despite these challenges, he remained an influential voice on cultural policy until his retirement in 2010. His legacy as a long-serving Labour MP and advocate for the arts will continue to be remembered, especially among those who appreciated his commitment to social justice and cultural progress.
Fisher’s story is one of contrasts: from representing a working-class constituency while maintaining an upper-class background to championing high culture in the face of political pressures. His life serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics within British politics and the enduring impact of individuals who challenge the status quo.
