Robin Corbett, Baron Corbett of Castle Vale

Who was Robin Corbett, Baron Corbett of Castle Vale?

Robin Corbett, Baron Corbett of Castle Vale was a British Labour Party politician.

Born in Fremantle, Australia he attended Holly Lodge Grammar School in Smethwick but did not attend university. He was called up for two years' national service into the Royal Air Force in 1951. After completing his national service he became a journalist, first for the Birmingham Evening Mail and then for the Daily Mirror. In 1968 he became deputy editor of Farmer's Weekly, then worked for IPC Magazines in 1970, where he stayed until his election to parliament in 1974.

He was elected Labour Member of Parliament for Hemel Hempstead at the October 1974 general election, but he lost the seat at the general election in 1979. He then returned to IPC Magazines, working as a communications consultant until he returned to parliament in the 1983 general election, representing Birmingham Erdington. He held this seat until his retirement from the House of Commons at the 2001 general election. Siôn Simon replaced him as Labour Member of Parliament for Birmingham Erdington.

Whilst in the House of Commons, he was opposition spokesman on Home Affairs, then for national heritage, broadcasting and press until 1995.