1968 - 1970

Frederick Peart (1914-1988) Beginning a career as a schoolteacher, Peart became involved in local politics in Durham. After service in the army during the Second World War, he was elected to the Commons in the Labour landslide of 1945. When Labour returned to power in 1964 after thirteen years in opposition, Peart was appointed minister for agriculture. In a 1968 reshuffle he was transferred to the post of Leader of the House, which he held until Labour lost power in 1970. He returned to the ministry of agriculture in 1974, and in 1976 went to the House of Lords as its Leader.