Patrick Thomas Cormack, Baron Cormack, DL, FSA, FRHistS (18 May 1939 – 25 February 2024) was a British politician, historian, journalist and author. He served as a member of Parliament (MP) for 40 years, from 1970 to 2010. Cormack was a member of the Conservative Party and was seen as a one-nation conservative.
At the 1970 general election, Cormack stood for the seat of Cannock, and this time was elected, narrowly defeating the incumbent Labour MP Jennie Lee. Cormack won with a majority of 1,529.
An opponent to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's monetarist economic policies, in November 1981, with national unemployment approaching 3,000,000 (compared to 1,500,000 two years previously), Cormack urged Thatcher to change her government's policies if Britain was to avoid economic disaster.[7]
Cormack resigned from this position in early 2000, standing later that year for the position of Speaker of the House of Commons (following the retirement of Betty Boothroyd). However, he was unsuccessful in his bid for the speakership, with the House instead choosing Labour MP Michael Martin for the role. Cormack became life president of The House magazine in 2005.[5] During the 2005–10 parliament, Cormack was the chairman of the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee.
The vote in South Staffordshire was postponed at the 2005 general election due to the death of the Liberal Democrat candidate Jo Harrison. When the election did take place on 23 June 2005, Cormack won comfortably. In February 2007, it was announced that Cormack had failed to win the re-adoption of his constituency party for the next general election. This vote was later declared invalid, for the number of votes recorded exceeded the number of people present at the meeting.[8][9] In July 2007, the South Staffordshire Conservatives' executive council voted on the matter, but it resulted in a tie. Consequently, a vote of all local party members was held to decide whether Cormack should remain the party's candidate at the following general election.[10] In the vote, held on 14 September, Cormack was readopted as the Conservative candidate, receiving the backing of over 75% of participating party members. Cormack expressed his gratitude and called the victory a "great relief".[11] Subsequently, on 1 December 2009, Cormack announced his intention to stand down at the 2010 general election.[12]
Although having a reputation as a serious parliamentarian, on occasions he was known for asking light hearted questions in the House of Commons, once simply asking Prime Minister Gordon Brown at PMQ's what he wanted for Christmas.[13]
Cormack took an active interest in historical issues, particularly those related to English Heritage. He was also a knowledgeable Parliamentary historian. He wrote many books on subjects ranging from the history of Parliament, British castles, English cathedrals, and a book on William Wilberforce.[2]
Cormack married Kathleen Mary MacDonald in 1967. They had two sons. He listed his recreations in Who's Who as "fighting philistines, walking, visiting old churches, avoiding sitting on fences". He was a member of the Athenaeum and Lincolnshire clubs.[2] He was a longtime resident of Lincoln, living near their famed cathedral.
Cormack died on 25 February 2024, at the age of 84.[19] Among those who paid tribute to him were Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Leader of the Opposition Keir Starmer.[20]
A demi-lion Vert winged and grasping in the dexter paw a quill Or.
Escutcheon
Per pale Or and Vert on a chevron between three cod bendwise sinister three portcullises chained each upper bar set with a Stafford Knot all counterchanged.
Supporters
On either side a goose Or that to the dexter holding in the beak a bluebonnet flower slipped Proper and that to the sinister holding in the beak a flax flower slipped Proper both resting the interior foot on a lamp with three flames Gules.[28]
