Eric Varley

Eric Graham Varley, Baron Varley, (11 August 1932 – 29 July 2008) was a British Labour Party politician and cabinet minister on the right wing of the party. He was the Member of Parliament for Chesterfield from 1964 to 1984.

Early life Eric Graham Varley was born in Poolsbrook, Derbyshire, to Frank and Eva (née Goring) Varley. His father was a coalminer. His mother did not wish for him to follow his father's line of work, and he began an early career at the iron works before training as an engineer. However, he decided to start a career in politics, partially at the behest of trade unionist Bert Wynn.

Personal life In 1955, Varley married Marjorie Turner, and they had one son.

Varley was a Methodist. He lived in Walton, Chesterfield, and was known for maintaining an elaborate garden at his home. He died from cancer at his residence on 29 July 2008, at the age of 75.