Eric Martlew

Eric Anthony Martlew (born 3 January 1949) is a British Labour Party politician who was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Carlisle from 1987 until he stood down in 2010.

Although born in Ince-in-Makerfield in Lancashire, Martlew grew up in Carlisle. He went to Harraby Secondary Modern School (which later became North Cumbria Technology College before its merger into Richard Rose Central Academy) on Edgehill Road and Carlisle College. He worked as a technician and personnel manager for Nestlé from 1962-87 at the powdered milk factory in Dalston. He was a Carlisle Borough Councillor from 1972 to 1974 and a County Councillor on Cumbria County Council from 1973 to 1988, was Chair from 1983 to 1985. He also served on the East Cumbria Health Authority from 1975 to 1988.

After entering Parliament in 1987, he served as Opposition defence Spokesman and as an opposition Whip.

Since his party came to power in 1997, he has served as PPS to Dr David Clark as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 1997-8 and to Baroness Jay of Paddington as Lord Privy Seal, Leader of the Lords and Minister for Women 1998-2001.

He is now a prominent member of the Transport Committee. He campaigns vigorously for animal rights and his German Shepherd Dog, Tag, was voted Westminster Dog of the Year in October 2006.

Martlew announced on 1 May 2009 that he will stand down at the next general election.

He married Elsie Duggan in 1970 in Carlisle. He had 6 siblings, Ronnie, Dennis, Joyce, June, Joe and Les.