Who Is Dennis Skinner? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Dennis Skinner, born on February 11, 1932, is a renowned British politician who served as a member of the Labour Party. With a political career that spans several decades, Skinner has become known for his fierce advocacy for workers' rights and his consistent stance on social justice issues. As of 2025, Dennis Skinner is 93 years old and continues to be a respected figure within political circles. His political career began when he was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bolsover in 1970, a position he held until his retirement in 2019.
| Occupation | Republicans |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 11, 1932 |
| Age | 93 Years |
| Birth Place | Clay Cross, Derbyshire, England |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Dennis Skinner's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact physical statistics are less relevant to public interest in politicians, it is often noted that Dennis Skinner stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall (170 cm). His weight has typically hovered around 160 lbs (72 kg). As a public figure, Skinner has often appeared poised and dignified, exuding a presence that reinforces his decades of experience in politics.
In 1999, Skinner was diagnosed with advanced bladder cancer and subsequently had surgery to remove a malignant tumour. In 2003, he underwent a double heart bypass operation. He underwent hip surgery in 2019. He was too ill to campaign in the 2019 general election after he was hospitalised with a dangerous infection following the hip operation. He was not present at the count when he lost his seat.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Dennis Skinner has been quite private regarding his personal relationships. He was previously married to his wife, who has since passed away. As of 2025, Skinner remains unmarried and does not publicly maintain any romantic relationships. His focus continues to be primarily on his political legacy and addressing societal issues rather than pursuing new romantic endeavors.
Born in Clay Cross, Derbyshire, Skinner is the third of nine children. His father Edward Skinner was a coal miner who was sacked after the 1926 general strike, and his mother Lucy was a cleaner. In June 1942, at the age of 10, Skinner won a scholarship to attend Tupton Hall Grammar School after passing the eleven-plus a year early.
In 1949, he went on to work as a coal miner at Parkhouse colliery, working there until its closure in 1962. He then worked at Glapwell colliery near Bolsover. In 1956 Skinner entered the Sheffield Star Walk, an amateur walking race, and finished second.
Net Worth and Salary
Dennis Skinner has accumulated a considerable net worth throughout his career, estimated to be around £1 million as of 2025. This wealth primarily comes from his long-standing career in politics, including a generous parliamentary salary, pension, and various speaking engagements. Despite his earnings, Skinner is known for his relatively modest lifestyle, often prioritizing public service over personal gain.
Skinner was a strong supporter of the National Union of Mineworkers and their leader Arthur Scargill in the 1984–85 miners' strike. Skinner refused to accept a parliamentary salary in excess of miners' wages, and during the miners' strike he donated his wages to the NUM.
Career, Business, and Investments
Dennis Skinner's political career is marked by his unwavering commitment to serving the people of Bolsover and advocating for workers’ rights. Known as "The Beast of Bolsover," Skinner is celebrated for his sharp wit and memorable speeches in the House of Commons, where he often challenged the status quo.
Business Ventures: While not known for pursuing significant business investments, Skinner has engaged in various community initiatives throughout his career, focusing on alleviating poverty and enhancing workers' rights.
During his parliamentary career, Skinner was suspended from Parliament on at least ten occasions, usually for using unparliamentary language when attacking opponents. He was also known for regularly heckling upon the arrival of Black Rod in the House of Commons chamber during the State Opening of Parliament.
During most of his tenure in the Commons (in the years when the Labour Party were in opposition), Skinner would usually sit on the first seat of the front bench below the gangway in the Commons in a tweed jacket and signature red tie. During the New Labour government from 1997 to 2010, Skinner sat in the equivalent spot on the government benches.
Social Network
Dennis Skinner has embraced social media in recent years, though he maintains a more reserved presence compared to many politicians. His Twitter account is particularly active, where he shares his views on current political issues, engages with constituents, and comments on labor rights. Fans and followers can connect with him on Twitter for updates on his thoughts and perspectives.
In 1956, Skinner joined the Labour Party. He was chosen as Parliamentary Prospective candidate for Bolsover on 5 June 1969. Skinner was elected as MP for the then safe Labour seat of Bolsover at the 1970 general election, succeeding Harold Neal.
He retained the seat for 49 years (receiving his highest vote share in 1970, whilst achieving his highest majority at the 1997 general election), until he lost it at the 2019 general election to Mark Fletcher of the Conservative Party.
Education
Dennis Skinner attended his local school in Derbyshire before later furthering his education. He pursued an apprenticeship as a miner, which laid the groundwork for his strong background in labor rights and social issues. The practical knowledge he gained during these formative years heavily influenced his political ideology and commitment to advocating for mining communities and workers throughout the UK.
In 1966, Skinner became the youngest-ever president of the Derbyshire region of the National Union of Mineworkers. After working for 20 years as a miner, he became a member of Derbyshire County Council and a Clay Cross councillor in the 1960s.
As chairman of the Clay Cross Council, Skinner was noted for his decision not to wear the traditional council dress and gold chain: "My conscience would not permit me to wear it, because I believe... all the pomp and ceremony attached to local government [and] Parliament is outdated and a waste of time".
In 1967, he attended Ruskin College, after completing a course run by the National Union of Mineworkers at the University of Sheffield. Skinner resigned from the colliery and the Derbyshire Miners' Union shortly after his election to parliament in June 1970.
