Martin Attlee, 2nd Earl Attlee

Martin Richard Attlee, 2nd Earl Attlee, was born on August 10, 1927. He was the only son of Clement Attlee, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Martin Attlee passed away on July 27, 1991.

In his early life, Attlee experienced significant difficulties due to dyslexia, which affected his academic performance as a child. To address his reading challenges, his father enrolled him at Millfield School, a private school known for its progressive educational methods under headmaster Jack Meyer. Attlee's education at Millfield contributed to his subsequent studies at the School of Navigation at University College, Southampton, now part of the University of Southampton.

From 1945 to 1950, Attlee served in the Merchant Navy. After his naval service, he worked briefly for Iberian Airways and various other companies. He later joined British Rail’s Southern Region, working primarily in its public relations department. This professional experience inspired him to author the book *Bluff Your Way in PR* in 1971.

Attlee inherited the earldom and a seat in the House of Lords in 1967 upon his father’s death. During his time in the House of Lords, he was affiliated with the Labour Party, reflecting his father's political alignment. In 1981, he shifted his allegiance to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). After the SDP merged with the Liberal Party, Attlee was among the minority who chose to remain in the independent 'continuing' SDP, which was led by David Owen.

In the 1988 European Parliament by-election for Hampshire Central, Attlee stood as a candidate for the continuing SDP. He received 5,952 votes, accounting for 7.7% of the total. During this campaign, he made a statement suggesting that his father's disapproval would be due to current political developments, remarking, "Some people say that my father must be turning in his grave. But if so, it would only be because of the sight of the present so-called Labour Party."

Regarding his personal life, Attlee married Anne Henderson on February 16, 1955. The marriage produced a son and a daughter before ending in divorce in 1988. Later that same year, he married Margaret Gouriet.

Martin Attlee died at Southampton General Hospital following a stroke at the age of 63. His peerage was inherited by his son, John Attlee, who at the time took the Conservative whip in the House of Lords.