Former Liberal MP for Leeds West, alderman, journalist and political affairs consultant, Michael Meadowcroft, has died at the age of 84 after a short illness, his family have announced.
Born in Elland and brought up in Southport, liberal politics were part of his life from a very young age. He went to work for Liberal HQ in London before moving to Leeds and shortly after becoming elected to Leeds City Council – one of the first Liberals for 30 years.
He served as MP for West Leeds from 1983 to 1987. Following his defeat he turned to journalism and was a columnist in The Times and The Yorkshire Post. In later years he wrote obituaries of political figures for both The Guardian and Yorkshire Post.
From 1990 he was a consultant to new and emerging democracies and for 26 years led or was a member of 50 missions to 35 different countries
A jazz clarinetist, his band, The Granny Lee Band, played regularly at the Leeds Jazz Club.
Michael Meadowcroft, born 6 March 1942, died 1 June 2026 is survived by his wife, two children, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and his brother. His memory now rests alongside his brother and grandchild who passed away before him.