Remembering Frank Field, 1942-2024

Frank was made an Honorary Graduate in 2009, and was a great ally for The University of Buckingham, and the Institute of Economic Affairs. Frank also opened the Vinson Building with Lord Vinson, in 2018.

Speaking of his respected colleague, Lord Vinson said: “Frank was one of those people who cared about what was right, not just who was right. A rare quality that made him universally respected. This was also the reason that he supported The University of Buckingham – because it promoted free expression as central to its purpose”.

Professor James Tooley, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Buckingham added: “Frank’s contribution to life at Buckingham over many years was outstanding. Frank was a leading advocate for Entrepreneurialism and Innovation over many years, not just in his work with Buckingham – but also the highest offices of government. Frank will be sorely missed, and the Buckingham community extends our condolences to Frank’s family, along with our appreciation for how he made Buckingham a better place to work and study.”

A quote from Frank at the Opening of the Vinson Building in 2018

On the day, he remarked: “We fail as a country to cherish those with the gift of entrepreneurialism. And we all too often fail as a country – lamentably – to act on the outcome of those entrepreneurial skills. The product of that is too often left to other countries to harvest.”

“With the opening of the Vinson Building, I hope history will judge that a decisive strike back is being made to our so harmful anti-entrepreneurial culture. In Birkenhead, when great ships are launched the cry goes up to bless all those who sail in the said vessel. Likewise, may the same blessing apply to all those who study within the walls of the Vinson Building. May they acquire and nurture the gift of entrepreneurialism and act as wisely with the wealth they have created as has the benefactor of this great building.”

About Frank Field

The Right Honourable, Frank Field was born in London and educated at St Clement Danes Holborn Estate Boys Grammar School before studying Economics at the University of Hull. In his youth he was a member of the Conservative Party and was elected as a councillor in the London Borough of Hounslow in 1964. In the same year he became a further education teacher in Southwark and Hammersmith and between 1969 and 1979 was the Director of the Child Poverty Action Group, and between 1974 and 1980 was Director of the Low Pay Unit.

Frank Field served as the Labour Member of Parliament for Birkenhead from 1979 to 2019. In 1983 Mr Field was appointed as a spokesman on Health and Social Security and then Chairman of the Social Services Select Committee in 1987. Following the 1997 election, Mr Field joined the Government as the Minister of Welfare Reform at the Department of Social Security with the rank of Minister of State. He became a Privy Councillor in 1997.

The Rt.Hon. Frank Field MP studied Economics at the University of Hull. Between 1969 and 1979 Frank Field was the Director of the Child Poverty Action Group, and was later Director of the Low Pay Unit. Frank Field remained the Labour Member of Parliament for Birkenhead from 1979. Following the 1997 election, Mr Field joined the Government as the Minister of Welfare Reform and became a Privy Councillor in 1997. The Rt.Hon. Frank Field remained on the backbenches from 2005.