 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.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.