Colin Pickthall

Colin Pickthall (13 September 1944 – 27 December 2025) was a British Labour Party politician who served as Member of Parliament (MP) for West Lancashire. He was first elected to the House of Commons in 1992, and retired at the general election of 2005.

Early life Pickthall was born on 13 September 1944 in Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria. His father was a shipyard fitter. He attended Ulverston Grammar School, and then the University of Wales, Bangor (now Bangor University), obtaining a B.A. Hons. in English Literature and History. He then went on to the University of Lancaster, where he obtained an M.A. He was reinstated shortly afterwards, in 2001, when the police investigation concluded there had been "no wrongdoing". He was transferred to the Foreign Office in 2001, where he continued as Straw's PPS.

He pledged his "continuing support" for Tony Blair in July 2004, remarking that his performance has been "psychologically remarkable".

Pickthall was considered a leftist, who frequently campaigned on animal welfare and environmental issues. He was opposed to hare coursing, as the Waterloo Cup took place at Great Altcar, in his constituency, and hunting. His support for the hunting ban led to pro-hunt supporters leaving a dead fox on his doorstep in February 2005.

He retired from the House of Commons at the general election of May 2005.

Personal life and death Pickthall married a Canadian, Judith Ann, in 1973; they had two daughters, Alisoun and Jenny.

He was a supporter of Humanists UK.

Pickthall died at Furness General Hospital on 27 December 2025, at the age of 81.