Clive Soley, a former Labour peer and long-time member of Parliament, has shared insights into his unexpected journey into politics, which began despite leaving school without qualifications. Soley’s early academic struggles did not deter him; he has since built a career spanning over four decades in British politics.
Soley, who served as a Member of Parliament from 1979 to 2005, recalls his challenging school experience, where a report card noted that his “limited abilities could produce far better results.” He was often described as having a “half-hearted” attitude, but this assessment did not define his future. After a prolific career in the House of Commons, he became a life peer, adopting the title of Baron Soley of Hammersmith, and later transitioned to the House of Lords.
Now residing near Inverness, Soley reflects on a life filled with impactful political moments, including meetings with Sinn Féin leaders during the Troubles in Northern Ireland and serving as an international observer in Mongolia. These experiences have shaped his views on democracy and the rule of law, principles he continues to advocate through a non-partisan speaking programme aimed at encouraging youth engagement in politics.
At 86 years old, he remains intellectually active, contemplating a podcast series to further reach schools. He spends his time writing plays, having had a small segment broadcast on the BBC, though he acknowledges his work requires further refinement. “I read a lot. I talk a lot,” he states, asserting that while he has retired from active politics, he remains engaged mentally.
Born in May 1939, just before the onset of World War II, Soley was evacuated three times during his childhood due to the threats of bombing raids. These early experiences instilled in him a keen awareness of politics and a deep disdain for dictatorial regimes. He recalls significant moments from his youth, such as participating in bonfire celebrations at the war’s end, which cultivated his political consciousness.
Soley attended Downshall Secondary Modern School, where he struggled academically but developed an interest in world affairs through his father’s emphasis on current events. He reflected on the possibility of having undiagnosed dyslexia, but ultimately dismissed it, stating, “I knew I was failing but I didn’t think I was written off.”
After leaving school at 15, Soley worked various unskilled jobs, including construction and as an office messenger. His aspirations to further his education were initially thwarted. He faced rejections from institutions like Ruskin College and the London School of Economics, but his determination led him to Newbattle Abbey Adult Residential College, where he completed his A levels. This achievement enabled him to enroll at Strathclyde University, where he earned a BA Honours in Politics and Psychology.
Soley’s career progressed as he became a probation officer in London, notably working in the challenging area of King’s Cross. His experiences in this role deepened his understanding of societal issues and human behaviour. He fondly recalls helping individuals like John Healy, a former criminal who later became an acclaimed author and chess player. “Being a probation officer and an MP makes you very good at understanding people’s problems,” he reflects.
His political career began in earnest when he served as a councillor on Hammersmith Council from 1974 to 1978, before being elected as a Labour MP in 1979, during a period when Margaret Thatcher led the Conservative Party to victory. Soley continued to represent various constituencies, including Hammersmith North and Ealing, Acton and Shepherd’s Bush, until Labour’s resurgence under Tony Blair in 1997.
Soley’s journey, marked by resilience and determination, exemplifies how a difficult start does not preclude a life of significant achievement. As he continues to engage with the next generation regarding the importance of political awareness, his story serves as an inspiration for many.
A follow-up interview with Baron Soley will be featured on our website, detailing his political experiences and reflections on the current leadership of the Labour Party.
