Deaths on January 22

Cecil Parkinson, English politician (b. 1931)

Cecil Edward Parkinson: A Prominent Figure in Conservative British Politics

Cecil Edward Parkinson, Baron Parkinson (1 September 1931 – 22 January 2016), was an influential British Conservative politician and a significant cabinet minister during a pivotal era of UK governance. His career, marked by both remarkable successes and personal controversies, spanned several decades, from his professional beginnings as a chartered accountant to his eventual role as a life peer in the House of Lords, where he continued to contribute to public life.

Early Life, Professional Background, and Entry into Parliament

Born in Carnforth, Lancashire, Cecil Parkinson pursued a rigorous academic path, qualifying as a chartered accountant. This professional training instilled in him a strong grasp of financial management and economic principles, which would later prove to be an invaluable asset in his political career. His entry into the Westminster political scene occurred in November 1970, when he was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Hertfordshire South. He subsequently represented the constituency of Hertsmere from 1983 until his departure from the House of Commons in 1992, consistently demonstrating a keen interest in economic and industrial policy.

Ascension in Margaret Thatcher's Government

Parkinson’s political trajectory accelerated significantly with the Conservative victory in the 1979 general election, which brought Margaret Thatcher to power. He was swiftly appointed to Thatcher's first government in May 1979, initially serving as Paymaster General. Concurrently, his strategic abilities and deep understanding of party machinery were recognised through his appointment as Chairman of the Conservative Party. These early roles solidified his reputation as a trusted ally and key player in the nascent Thatcher administration, helping to shape the early direction of the government's economic and social reforms.

The Architect of the 1983 Election Victory and Subsequent Resignation

A defining and widely celebrated moment in Parkinson’s career was his successful management of the Conservative Party's 1983 general election campaign. Widely hailed for his strategic brilliance and effective communication, Parkinson orchestrated a campaign that led to a resounding landslide victory for the Conservatives, significantly increasing their parliamentary majority. This triumph cemented his status as a political heavyweight. As a direct reward for this crucial success, he was appointed to one of the most senior cabinet positions: Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, a role with broad responsibilities for the UK's industrial base and international commerce.

However, his tenure in this high-profile office was tragically cut short. In October 1983, only a few months after his appointment, Parkinson was forced to resign amidst a storm of public and media scrutiny following damaging revelations. It emerged that his former secretary, Sara Keays, was pregnant with his child. The subsequent birth of their daughter, Flora Keays, and the intense, prolonged political pressure surrounding the affair ultimately compelled him to step down from the cabinet. This significant personal scandal temporarily halted his meteoric political ascent.

Return to Cabinet and Final Ministerial Roles

Despite the highly public nature of his 1983 resignation, Parkinson demonstrated remarkable resilience and continued loyalty to the Conservative cause, eventually making a return to the cabinet. In 1987, he was appointed Secretary of State for Energy, a crucial role overseeing the UK's energy policy, including issues related to nationalised industries and privatisation. He then transitioned to become Secretary of State for Transport in 1989, a portfolio with significant responsibilities for national infrastructure, road networks, and public transport systems.

His second period in cabinet concluded dramatically in 1990. On 22 November of that year, he resigned from his position as Secretary of State for Transport. This departure occurred on the very same day that Margaret Thatcher, his long-time political mentor and ally, resigned as Prime Minister, underscoring his unwavering loyalty and the deep political bond they shared.

Life in the House of Lords and Retirement

After leaving the House of Commons, Cecil Parkinson was elevated to the peerage. He was created Baron Parkinson, of Carnforth in the County of Lancashire, in 1992, thereby becoming a life peer in the House of Lords. In this capacity, he continued to contribute to parliamentary debates and legislative scrutiny, particularly drawing upon his extensive experience in economics, finance, and industrial policy. He served diligently in the upper chamber of the UK Parliament, providing valuable insights and expertise, until his retirement in September 2015, just a few months before his passing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cecil Parkinson

Who was Cecil Parkinson?

Cecil Edward Parkinson was a prominent British Conservative politician and cabinet minister who served in various high-ranking positions within Margaret Thatcher's governments from 1979 to 1990. He was also a qualified chartered accountant and later a life peer in the House of Lords.

What was Cecil Parkinson's primary achievement in the 1983 general election?

Cecil Parkinson served as the highly successful campaign manager for the Conservative Party in the 1983 general election. His strategic leadership is widely credited with helping the party achieve a significant landslide victory under Margaret Thatcher's leadership.

Why did Cecil Parkinson resign from the cabinet in 1983?

He was forced to resign from his position as Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in October 1983 following public revelations that his former secretary, Sara Keays, was pregnant with his child, Flora Keays. This personal scandal led to intense public and political pressure.

What other ministerial positions did Cecil Parkinson hold?

Beyond Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, he also served as Paymaster General, Chairman of the Conservative Party, Secretary of State for Energy (1987-1989), and Secretary of State for Transport (1989-1990).

When did Cecil Parkinson retire from parliamentary service?

Cecil Parkinson retired from the House of Lords in September 2015, having served as a life peer since 1992. He had previously retired from the House of Commons in 1992 upon being granted his peerage.