Don Dixon, Baron Dixon

Dixon in 2011

Donald Dixon, Baron Dixon, PC, DL (6 March 1929 – 19 February 2017) was a British Labour Party politician.

Early life

Dixon worked in the Tyne shipyards and was a workers' representative before being elected.^[1]

Political career

Between 1963 and 1974, Dixon was leader of Jarrow Borough Council; after that council's abolition he spent five years as chairman of housing at South Tyneside.^[2]

He was Member of Parliament (MP) for Jarrow from 1979 until his retirement in 1997, serving as a party whip, and considered on the Old Right of the Party. He was subsequently elevated to the House of Lords as a life peer with the title Baron Dixon of Jarrow in the county of Tyne and Wear.^[3] He retired from the House of Lords on 9 February 2016.

Arms

Coat of arms of Don Dixon, Baron Dixon

Crest A sea-bee Or winged Proper. Escutcheon Gules between two flaunches voided Or three crosses flory in pale Argent. Supporters On either side a sea-dragon reguardant Argent gorged with a plain collar and supporting with the exterior foot a trident Or. Motto March With Dignity[4]

References

1. "'He was voted the most awkward MP in Parliament' - tributes to former Jarrow MP Lord Dixon". Chronicle Live. 20 February 2017.
2. "Tributes paid to long-standing former Jarrow MP Don Dixon". Shields Gazette. 20 February 2017.
3. "No. 54791". The London Gazette. 12 June 1997. p. 6845.
4. Debrett's Peerage. 2000.

Sources

• "Times Guide to the House of Commons", Times Newspapers Limited, 1992 edition.
• Dod's Parliamentary Companion.

Parliament of the United Kingdom
Preceded by Ernest Fernyhough	Member of Parliament for Jarrow 1979 – 1997	Succeeded by Stephen Hepburn