Education
Fitch was educated at Kingswood School, Bath (1927–1932), and was a mineworker.
Fitch was educated at Kingswood School, Bath (1927–1932), and was a mineworker.
He represented mineworkers on the executive committee of the Lancashire and Cheshire Regional Council of Labour. He was re-elected at the next seven general elections, before stepping down at the 1983 general election, when the seat was held for Labour by Roger Stott. Fitch was one of only two MPs for Wigan in the 20th century to stand down (retire) rather than die in office.
His successor Roger Stott reverted to the trend and died in office in 1999.
41st United Kingdom Parliament. 42nd United Kingdom Parliament. 43rd United Kingdom Parliament.
44th United Kingdom Parliament.
45th United Kingdom Parliament. 46th United Kingdom Parliament.
47th United Kingdom Parliament. 48th United Kingdom Parliament]
He was elected to the House of Commons as Member of Parliament for Wigan in a by-election in 1958, following the death of sitting Labour Member of Parliament Ronald Williams.
Fitch was a government Assistant Whip from 1964 to 1966, a Lord Commissioner of the Treasury from 1966 to 1969 and Vice-Chamberlain of the Household from 1969 to 1970, and was a member of the nationalised industries select committee.
Fitch was also a Member of the European Parliament.