Former MP dies age 93
A FORMER Chelmsford MP has died at the age of 93, his daughter announced yesterday.
Roddy Ashworth
A FORMER Chelmsford MP has died at the age of 93, his daughter announced yesterday.
Ernest Millington, who was the last surviving MP to serve during the Second World War, was in the House of Commons for Winston Churchill's VE Day speech on May 8, 1945, after being elected the previous month in a by-election.
The MP for Chelmsford between 1945 and 1950 died at his home in France last night, his daughter, Caroline, said. Ms Millington, an artist and former journalist, said: “He had a chequered and fascinating career. He will be very much missed by his wife, Ivy, and all of his relations.”
Mr Millington, was a member of the left-wing Common Wealth Party, was elected to Parliament in a by-election before the General Election in 1945, becoming the youngest MP in Parliament.
Despite his political career, Millington, who was a bomber pilot during the Second World War, was most proud of his RAF years.
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In his autobiography he said: “In the unlikely event that at some time in the future I should find myself being interrogated by St Peter, he might well ask what, outside inter-personal relationships, had given me the most satisfaction and pleasure.
“Without doubt I would answer: 'Flying Lancaster bombers'.
“I had progressed from being a homeless, jobless outcast at the age of 16, chucked out of home and obliged to leave school.
“By 1944, I had transferred to the RAF, been promoted four times and was now commanding a heavy bomber squadron with the rank of Wing Commander.”
After being voted out of Parliament in 1950, his subsequent career was in the field of education, teaching in London.
The Essex-born politician retired to the Dordogne in the early 1980s, and lived there with his second wife, Ivy. His first wife, Gwen, died in 1979. He leaves his wife, four children, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
