Ernie Ross

Ernest Ross (27 July 1942 – 17 October 2021) was a British politician who served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Dundee West from 1979 to 2005. He was a member of the Labour Party.

Early life Ross was born in Dundee, Scotland, on 27 July 1942. Both his parents were employed by National Cash Register. He completed his primary education at St Joseph's and St Mary's primary schools before attending St John's Roman Catholic High School. He joined the Labour Party in 1973.

Political career Ross was elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Dundee West in the 1979 general election, succeeding Peter Doig. He supported Tony Benn in the 1981 Labour Party deputy leadership election.

Ross sat on the Foreign Affairs Select Committee from July 1997 to March 1999, the Standards and Privileges Committee from October 1996 to March 1997, and the Education & Employment Committee from November 1995 to March 1997. He also served on the Court of Referees from June 1987 to May 2005. He was consequently dubbed "the plumber", in reference to his ability to "fix leaks". He backed the decision by Dundee City Council in 1980 to twin the city with Nablus.

Personal life Ross married Jane Moad in 1964. They remained married until his death. Together, they had three children: Stephen, Ali and Karen. He had cancer while serving his first term in Parliament but survived after undergoing keyhole surgery by Alfred Cuschieri.