Denis Healey was a British Labour politician and President of Birkbeck from 1993 to 1999, contributing significantly to the life of the College during that time.

Lord Healey was Secretary of State for Defence from 1964 to 1970 and Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1974 to 1979 under Prime Ministers Harold Wilson and James Callaghan. He became deputy party leader in opposition, under Michael Foot, in 1980. His keen intellectual brain and sharp wit marked him out as a giant of British post-war politics.

Lord Healey took up the honorary role of President of Birkbeck in 1993. Professor David Latchman, Master of Birkbeck, said: “He was a great friend and supporter of Birkbeck and passionately believed in the power of education to transform lives. He will be greatly missed.”