Ruth Beatrice Henig, holding the title Baroness Henig, was recognized for her notable achievements within the realms of academia, politics, and public service as a British academic historian and a member of the Labour Party.

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Baroness Ruth Henig, a distinguished personality in British politics, on February 29, 2024.

Ruth Beatrice Munzer, born on November 10, 1943, gained prominence through her roles as a historian, a Labour Party politician, and a leader within the security sector.

Baroness Henig made significant contributions as the Chair of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) from 2007 to 2013, advocating for improved public safety and regulations.

Her remarkable service to policing earned her a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and she was also recognized as a Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire.

Simon Henig, Offspring of Ruth Henig

Simon Antony Henig, born in June 1969, is the son of the esteemed Baroness Ruth Henig and Stanley Henig, both of whom have made their marks in public service and politics.

Simon was brought up in a family dedicated to societal contribution and leadership, with his mother being a renowned historian and security industry leader, and his father a former Labour MP and local council leader.

His foundational years at Moorside Primary School and Lancaster Royal Grammar School set the stage for his future endeavors.

Simon pursued further education at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, where he developed his academic prowess and nurtured a keen interest in politics.

His political journey commenced in 1999 when he was elected as a councillor in Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

Simon played various roles within the Labour Party, enhancing his reputation through roles such as the North Durham CLP agent and chairman of the North East Regional Board.

Despite narrowly missing the opportunity to become the Labour candidate for Sedgefield in 2007, Simon’s commitment to local politics never wavered.

As the Leader of Durham County Council from 2008 to 2021, Simon exhibited exemplary leadership and dedication to community service.

His tenure saw significant electoral successes for the Labour Party, cementing its dominance in County Durham’s political landscape.

Simon is also an esteemed academic, teaching politics at the University of Sunderland and specializing in psephology, reflecting his profound insight into electoral studies.

He has written several works, such as “The Political Map of Britain” and guides to the general elections of 2005 and 2010, highlighting his proficiency in the field of British politics.

A committed family man, Simon shares his life with his wife Katherine and their two children in Chester-le-Street, embodying his community and family values. His interests span travel, football, and cricket, showcasing his versatile personality.

Stanley Henig, Ruth Henig’s Husband and Family Legacy

Stanley Henig, Ruth Henig’s former husband, was a British scholar and political figure within the Labour Party.

With his birth on July 7, 1939, in Leicester, Stanley hailed from a lineage with strong political inclinations, being the son of Sir Mark Henig, who was Leicester’s Lord Mayor and the inaugural chair of the English Tourist Board.

He was educated at Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys and later at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, pursuing a path that led him to influential roles in academia and politics.

Stanley was instrumental in founding the Department of Politics at Lancaster University in 1964 and has taught at notable institutions including the University of Warwick, the Civil Service College, and the University of Central Lancashire.

His political journey saw him elected as the MP for Lancaster in 1966, though he stepped down in 1970. Nonetheless, he stayed active in politics, leading Lancaster City Council in the 1990s.

After separating in 1993, Stanley and Ruth continued to share a bond through their commitments to public service and raised two sons, including Simon Henig, known for his work in psephology and leadership in Durham County Council. Following her separation from Stanley in 1993, Ruth remarried Jack Johnstone in 1994.