Eric Martlew

Although born in Ince-in-Makerfield in Lancashire, Martlew grew up in Carlisle. He went to Harraby Secondary Modern School (which later became North Cumbria Technology College before its merger into Richard Rose Central Academy) on Edgehill Road and Carlisle College. He worked as a technician and personnel manager for Nestlé from 1966. - 1987at the powdered milk factory in Dalston. He was a Carlisle Borough Councillor from 1972 to 1974 and a County Councillor on Cumbria County Council from 1973 to 1988, was Chair from 1983 to 1985. He also Chair of Cumbria Health Authority from 1977- 1979.

After entering Parliament in 1987, he served as Opposition defence Spokesman and as an opposition Whip.

After his party came to power in 1997, he served as PPS to Dr David Clark as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 1997-8 and to Baroness Jay of Paddington as Lord Privy Seal, Leader of the Lords and Minister for Women 1998–2001.

He was a prominent member of the Transport Committee. He campaigns vigorously for animal rights and his German Shepherd Dog, Tag, was voted Westminster Dog of the Year in October 2006.

Martlew announced on 1 May 2009 that he would stand down and he retired at the next general election.[1]

Made Freeman of the City of Carlisle 2016.

He married Elsie Duggan in 1970 in Carlisle. He had 6 siblings, Ronnie, Dennis, Joyce, June, Joe and Les.

• Eric Martlew MP official site
• Guardian Unlimited Politics - Ask Aristotle: Eric Martlew MP
• TheyWorkForYou.com - Eric Martlew MP
• Hansard 1803–2005: contributions in Parliament by Eric Martlew
• BBC Politics