Tributes to Michael Ward: ex-MP in thrilling battle for seat
TRIBUTES have poured in for a "tenacious" former Peterborough MP, who was involved in some of the most thrilling, closely-run election races in Peterborough's history.
TRIBUTES have poured in for a "tenacious" former Peterborough MP, who was involved in some of the most thrilling, closely-run election races in Peterborough's history.Labour's Michael Ward, who represented the city at the House of Commons between 1974 and 1979, died last Wednesday at his home in Rochester, Kent, after a battle with cancer. He was 77.
He narrowly missed out on the seat three times – most famously in 1966, when, following an incredible seven recounts and high drama at Peterborough Town Hall, he lost to Sir Harmar Nicholls – by just three votes.
To cover both eventualities, The Evening Telegraph had drawn up two headlines – At Last – Nicholls and At Last – Ward.
But just before the final result was announced, Mr Ward was eagerly handed a copy declaring he was a victor, when in fact, he had been pipped to the post.
He was finally elected in October 1974, turning the tables on his political rival.
Ward was unlucky again in 1979 in that his opponent was another formidable politician, Dr Brian Mawhinney, who was to become an influential cabinet minister and chairman of the Conservative Party.
Mr Ward returned to the city in 2004 to celebrate Cllr Charles Swift's 50 years as a councillor.
His daughter Alison Seabeck, who has followed in her father's footsteps by becoming MP of Plymouth and Devonport, today paid tribute to his fighting spirit.
She said: "Dad was a big influence on me. He was so enthusiastic and was always doing something, right up to the end.
"He lived life to the full. We were even having a political discussion on the day he died.
"He loved the city and the diversity of the city. He also loved the historic element, as well as seeing it evolve.
"He was a fighter. He fought for Peterborough and had a real commitment to to it."
Michael John Ward was born in Romford, Essex. After marrying Lilian Lomas in 1953, he was based at RAF Wyton as a flight officer. On leaving the RAF, he worked as a public relations consultant to major local authorities, and, from 1958 to 1978, he was a councillor in Romford.
Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson said: "He gave great service to Peterborough and was a dedicated servant to the local constituency.
"He was very tenacious, having fought his seat on a number of occasions. Through his own efforts, he finally succeeded in 1974."
Father of the House of Commons Tam Dalyell also paid a moving tribute in a national newspaper. He said he had proved to be "an exceedingly able MP with much to offer in the way of imaginative ideas to the public life of this country".
City councillor Charles Swift's sister, Audrey Chalmers, who was a councillor at the time, said: "Charles Swift and I knew him very well. He and his family were very Peterborough-focused."
Mr Ward leaves his wife Lilian (74), two daughters and five grandchildren.
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Saturday 20 March 2010
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