Tony Banks, Baron Stratford, Northern Irish broadcaster and politician, Minister for Sport and the Olympics (b. 1943)

Anthony Louis Banks, widely recognised as Baron Stratford, was a distinguished and often colourful British politician whose career spanned over two decades in the House of Commons and concluded with significant service in the House of Lords. Born on 8 April 1942, he left an indelible mark on British politics before his passing on 8 January 2006.

A dedicated member of the Labour Party, Banks first entered the House of Commons in 1983, serving as the Member of Parliament for the constituency of Newham North West. Following boundary changes, he continued his parliamentary career as the MP for West Ham from 1997 until his retirement from the Commons in 2005. Throughout his 22-year tenure as an MP, he was a vocal, distinctive, and often unconventional presence in Westminster, known for his readiness to speak his mind.

During the initial period of Tony Blair's Labour government, Anthony Banks held the significant position of Minister for Sport from May 1997 to July 1999. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing government policy relating to sports, encompassing areas such as funding allocation, grassroots development initiatives, and the promotion of UK engagement in international sporting events. His well-documented passion for sports, particularly football, made him a fitting, albeit occasionally outspoken, figure for this ministerial portfolio. After concluding his ministerial duties, Banks remained a prominent backbencher and later played a crucial role as Chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) bid, which successfully secured the 2012 London Olympics, further demonstrating his enduring commitment to British sport on a global stage.

Upon stepping down from the House of Commons in 2005, Banks was elevated to the peerage, becoming Baron Stratford, of Manor Park in the London Borough of Newham. This transition allowed him to continue his public service as a respected member of the House of Lords, where he contributed to legislative scrutiny and parliamentary debate until his death.

One of Anthony Banks's most defining characteristics, and indeed what made him a memorable figure in Westminster, was his renowned "acid tongue." This widely recognised trait referred to his sharp, often biting wit, his propensity for making incisive and sometimes provocative remarks, and his willingness to challenge opponents or even colleagues with unvarnished honesty. His candid and direct communication style, frequently delivered with a distinctive London accent, ensured he was never overlooked in parliamentary proceedings or public discourse. This particular facet of his personality solidified his reputation as a colourful, formidable, and frequently entertaining debater within the House of Commons.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anthony Louis Banks

Who was Anthony Louis Banks, Baron Stratford?

Anthony Louis Banks, Baron Stratford, was a prominent British Labour Party politician. He served as a Member of Parliament for over two decades, held a ministerial post as Minister for Sport, and subsequently served as a peer in the House of Lords. He was widely known for his distinctive personality and sharp wit.

What ministerial role did Anthony Banks hold?

Anthony Banks served as the Minister for Sport from May 1997 to July 1999 under the Labour government led by Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Which constituencies did Anthony Banks represent as an MP?

He represented Newham North West from 1983 to 1997, and then West Ham from 1997 until his departure from the House of Commons in 2005.

Why was Anthony Banks known for his "acid tongue"?

His "acid tongue" referred to his reputation for sharp, witty, and often highly critical remarks. He was known for his candid, direct, and sometimes provocative style of communication, which made him a distinctive and memorable presence in political debates and public life.

When did Anthony Banks become a member of the House of Lords?

He was elevated to the peerage as Baron Stratford, of Manor Park in the London Borough of Newham, in 2005, after stepping down from the House of Commons.