Michael Cocks

For other people of the same name, see Michael Cox (disambiguation).

Michael Francis Lovell Cocks, Baron Cocks of Hartcliffe PC (19 August 1929 – 26 March 2001) was a moderate Labour Party politician in the United Kingdom.

Early life

Cocks was educated at Silcoates School, Wakefield and Bristol University and became a teacher.

Political career

Cocks contested Bristol West in 1959 and South Gloucestershire in 1964 and 1966. He was Member of Parliament for Bristol South from 1970 until 1987, after being deselected as a candidate in 1986 and replaced by Dawn Primarolo. During his time in the House of Commons, Cocks served as a Labour whip in government and in opposition, being Chief Whip from 1976-1985.

Cocks was given a life peerage in 1987, becoming Baron Cocks of Hartcliffe and served as vice-chairman of the BBC 1993-98. He also served as Deputy Chairman of the London Docklands Development Corporation.

As Government Chief Whip from 1976 to 1979 he had the task of ensuring Government majorities for a minority government.

Published Work

Labour and the Benn Factor, MacDonald 1989

References

• The Times Guide to the House of Commons, Times Newspapers Ltd, 1966, 1983 & 1987
• Leigh Rayment's Historical List of MPs
• "Obituary: Lord Cocks of Hartcliffe", The Guardian, 27 March 2001 http://www.theguardian.com/news/2001/mar/27/guardianobituaries
• https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=KFMMAAAAYAAJ&q=Michael+Cocks+labour+moderate&dq=Michael+Cocks+labour+moderate&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CCQQ6AEwAWoVChMIy4Plz7epyAIVS1cUCh00MwY_

External links

• Hansard 1803–2005: contributions in Parliament by Michael Cocks

Parliament of the United Kingdom
Preceded by William Wilkins	Member of Parliament for Bristol South 1970–1987	Succeeded by Dawn Primarolo
Political offices
Preceded by Bob Mellish	Chief Whip of the Labour Party 1976–1985	Succeeded by Derek Foster
	Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury 1976–1979	Succeeded by Michael Jopling