Births on January 20

Zac Goldsmith, English journalist and politician

Zac Goldsmith: A British Politician Championing Environment and Localism

Frank Zacharias Robin Goldsmith, widely known as Zac Goldsmith, born on 20 January 1975, is a prominent British politician, a life peer, and a former journalist. Currently, he serves as the Minister of State for the Pacific and the International Environment within the UK government. A distinguished member of the Conservative Party, Goldsmith has played significant roles in British politics, including being the party's candidate for the high-profile 2016 London mayoral election. He also represented the constituency of Richmond Park as a Member of Parliament (MP) across two terms, from 2010 to 2016 and again from 2017 to 2019. Ideologically, Goldsmith is characterized by a blend of liberal and libertarian views, with a particular and enduring commitment to environmentalism and the principle of localism. His political career has consistently championed ecological sustainability, conservation efforts, and the empowerment of local communities.

Early Life and Entry into Public Sphere

Born in London, Zac Goldsmith hails from the influential Goldschmidt family, being the son of the highly successful billionaire businessman and financier, Sir James Goldsmith. His early education took place at the prestigious Eton College, a renowned independent boarding school, followed by studies at the Cambridge Centre for Sixth-form Studies. These educational foundations likely contributed to his intellectual development and later career path.

Goldsmith's early professional life saw him delve into environmental journalism. In 1998, his uncle, Edward Goldsmith, a prominent environmentalist himself, appointed him editor of The Ecologist magazine. Under his editorship, which lasted until 2007, the publication gained significant recognition for its critical analysis of environmental issues and its advocacy for radical ecological reforms. His tenure at The Ecologist solidified his reputation as a committed environmental advocate.

Transitioning into formal politics, Goldsmith was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Quality of Life Policy Group in 2005. This group was tasked with developing policy recommendations aimed at improving the overall quality of life in Britain, focusing on areas like environmental protection, public services, and community well-being. He co-authored the group's comprehensive report, which was published in 2007, laying out detailed proposals for a more sustainable and equitable society.

Parliamentary Career and Key Electoral Contests

Goldsmith's ascent within the Conservative Party continued with his inclusion on the party's "A-List" of potential parliamentary candidates in 2006, identifying him as a promising figure for future elections. In March 2007, he was selected through an open primary – a democratic process allowing local residents to choose their candidate – to contest the Richmond Park constituency. He challenged the incumbent Liberal Democrat MP, Susan Kramer, in a bid to secure the seat for the Conservatives.

At the 2010 general election, Goldsmith successfully made his entry into the UK Parliament, winning the Richmond Park seat with a majority of 4,091 votes. This victory marked the beginning of his parliamentary career, where he continued to advocate strongly for environmental causes and local community interests.

His popularity in Richmond Park surged further during the 2015 general election, where he was re-elected to the House of Commons with an impressive majority of 23,015 votes. This represented a substantial increase of nearly 19,000 votes compared to his 2010 victory, underscoring strong local support.

However, 2016 brought a major challenge as Goldsmith was chosen as the Conservative candidate for the high-stakes London mayoral election. Despite a vigorous campaign, he was ultimately defeated by Sadiq Khan of the Labour Party, who became the Mayor of London.

A pivotal moment in his career occurred in October 2016 when Goldsmith announced his resignation as an MP. This decision was a direct protest against the government's controversial approval of the construction of a third runway at Heathrow Airport, an issue he had vehemently opposed due to its significant environmental impact and noise pollution concerns for his constituents. His resignation triggered a by-election in the Richmond Park constituency, where Goldsmith chose to stand as an independent candidate, emphasizing his commitment to the local environment over party loyalty. He was narrowly defeated in this contest by Sarah Olney of the Liberal Democrats, who secured the seat with a majority of 1,872 votes.

Following Theresa May's call for the 2017 snap general election, Goldsmith was re-selected as the Conservative Party candidate for Richmond Park. In a closely fought contest, he managed to reclaim the seat with a very narrow majority of just 45 votes, demonstrating the highly competitive nature of the constituency and his enduring local appeal despite previous setbacks.

Ministerial Roles and Life Peerage

Goldsmith's dedication to environmental policy saw him appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment and International Development on 27 July 2019. This role gave him direct responsibility for aspects of environmental policy and international development initiatives. His commitment was further recognized on 10 September 2019, when he was promoted to the more senior position of Minister of State, importantly gaining the right to attend Cabinet meetings. This elevation underscored his influence on government policy, particularly in his areas of expertise.

However, his parliamentary journey in the House of Commons concluded with the 2019 general election, where he was once again defeated by Sarah Olney of the Liberal Democrats, this time with a more substantial majority of 7,766 votes.

Despite his loss of a parliamentary seat, Goldsmith's expertise and commitment to environmental and international development issues were deemed crucial by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. After the election, Johnson awarded Goldsmith a life peerage. This prestigious honor made him Baron Goldsmith of Richmond Park, granting him lifelong membership in the House of Lords, the unelected upper chamber of the UK Parliament. Crucially, this allowed him to retain his ministerial position, enabling him to continue serving the government and influencing policy from within the legislative framework, without needing to be an elected MP. On 13 February 2020, his portfolio expanded further when he acquired the additional role of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs with specific responsibility for the Pacific region, broadening his diplomatic and environmental remit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Zac Goldsmith's current role in the UK government?

Zac Goldsmith currently serves as the Minister of State for the Pacific and the International Environment. He also holds the additional role of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs with responsibility for the Pacific.

Why is Zac Goldsmith known for environmentalism?

Zac Goldsmith has a long-standing commitment to environmental causes, evidenced by his editorship of The Ecologist magazine, his work with the Conservative Quality of Life Policy Group, and his consistent advocacy for environmental protection throughout his political career, including his notable resignation over the Heathrow third runway expansion.

How did Zac Goldsmith become a peer in the House of Lords?

After losing his Richmond Park seat in the 2019 general election, Zac Goldsmith was awarded a life peerage by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. This non-hereditary title granted him membership in the House of Lords, allowing him to continue his ministerial duties without being an elected MP.

What is localism in the context of Zac Goldsmith's political views?

Localism, for Zac Goldsmith, refers to a political ideology that emphasizes empowering local communities and devolving decision-making processes from central government to regional and local levels. It aligns with his broader commitment to ensuring that local voices are heard and that policies reflect community needs and values.