Robert McKenzie

Robert Trelford McKenzie (11 September 1917 – 12 October 1981) was a Canadian professor of politics and sociology, and a psephologist (statistical analyst of elections). He was one of the main presenters of the BBC's General Election programmes.

Early life Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, the son of William Meldrum McKenzie and Frances (née) Chapman, he was educated at King Edward High School and the University of British Columbia from which he graduated with a BA. He was a lecturer at the same university from 1937 to 1942.

Other work

He wrote many academic books and papers during his career, including British Political Parties: The Distribution of Power within the Conservative and Labour Parties and Angels in Marble: Working Class Conservatives in Urban England, but it was through television and radio that his name became known. His broadcasting career began when he was requested by the BBC to give occasional talks on the Overseas Service; he was later invited to become involved in dramatic radio and TV, such as appearing as himself on an episode of the British series Yes Minister.

Death

McKenzie died from cancer in 1981.

Publications

British Political Parties : The Distribution of Power Within the Conservative and Labour Parties, 1955; 2nd ed., 1963. Angels in Marble: Working Class Conservativism in Urban England (with Allan Silver), 1968.