John Cartwright dies, last president of the SDP

John Cartwright, a prominent politician in the United Kingdom, passed away at the age of 90. He had a significant political career, starting as a member of the Labour Party before defecting to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in February 1981. During his time in parliament, Cartwright served as the MP for Woolwich in south-east London for 18 years from October 1974, demonstrating his popularity with constituents and successfully winning his seat twice for the SDP in 1983 and 1987. As the last president of the SDP, he witnessed the merger of his party with the Liberals to form the Liberal Democrats in 1988, an event he resisted along with leader David Owen. Following his departure from the SDP, he continued to engage in politics, including a close run in the 1992 elections as an Independent Social Democrat in Woolwich. Throughout his career, Cartwright was respected for his unassuming nature and political acumen, serving on various committees and in leadership positions within political organizations. He was also actively involved in local politics, eventually becoming the leader of the Greenwich borough council and working for the Royal Arsenal Co-operative Society. Famed for his strategic insights and ability to navigate complex political landscapes, Cartwright’s contributions to British politics will be remembered, particularly by those who were close to him, including his family and colleagues in the SDP.