Former Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group (APPHG) Lord (‘Gus’) Macdonald of Tradeston CBE has retired from the House of Lords after nearly 20 years in the house. The British Humanist Association (BHA), of which Lord Macdonald is also a patron, wishes him well as he embarks on the next chapter of his life and career.
Gus Macdonald joined the House of Lords as a Labour peer in 1998 after a successful career in journalism and television production. He served in government as the Minister for Business and Industry in the Scottish Office (1998-1999), Minister of Transport (1999-2001) and as Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (2001-2003).
From 2005 to 2010, he chaired the Parliamentary Humanist Group, which gained All Party status in this period, overseeing its growth to over 100 members. He was a strong advocate in parliament in particular for more inclusive broadcasting giving equal representation to religious and non-religious content and viewpoints.
BHA Chief Executive Andrew Copson commented, ‘Gus made an invaluable contribution to the All Party Parliamentary Humanist Group during his time as Chair, most significantly achieving all party status for the group. His input on humanist issues in the House of Lords will be missed, but we wish him well for his latest retirement.’
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For further comment or information please contact BHA Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson on richy@humanists.uk or 020 7324 3072.
See his BHA patron’s profile: https://humanists.uk/about/our-people/patrons/angus-john-gus-macdonald/
See his Parliamentary voting record and speeches : https://www.theyworkforyou.com/peer/13565/lord_macdonald_of_tradeston
The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. It promotes a secular state and equal treatment in law and policy of everyone, regardless of religion or belief. The BHA provides the secretariat to the APPHG.