Peter Hordern, English soldier and politician

Sir Peter Maudslay Hordern, born on 18 April 1929, is a distinguished figure in British politics, renowned for his long and influential career as a Conservative Party politician. His full title, Sir Peter Maudslay Hordern, DL, PC, carries with it significant traditional and honorary distinctions within the United Kingdom's public life.

As a Member of Parliament for many years, Sir Peter was a vocal participant in the political discourse of his era, contributing to debates and policy-making within the House of Commons during a period of considerable transformation in British society and economics.

A Distinguished Political Career

Sir Peter Maudslay Hordern entered the House of Commons in 1964, representing the constituency of Arundel. He continued to serve this area, which was later redrawn as Arundel and South Downs, until he stepped down in 1997. His tenure in Parliament spanned over three decades, witnessing the administrations of several Prime Ministers, including Harold Wilson, Edward Heath, James Callaghan, Margaret Thatcher, and John Major.

Throughout his time as a backbench MP, Sir Peter became known for his keen interest in economic affairs and his commitment to the principles of free-market economics, aligning himself broadly with the Thatcherite reforms that reshaped the British economy in the 1980s. While he did not hold major ministerial office, his influence was often felt through his contributions to various parliamentary committees, notably the Public Accounts Committee, where he scrutinized government expenditure and financial management. His diligent work in these areas underscored his reputation as a thoughtful and fiscally conscious politician.

Honours and Distinctions

The post-nominal letters associated with Sir Peter Hordern signify important roles and honours:

• DL (Deputy Lieutenant): This is an honorific appointment, typically associated with a specific county within the United Kingdom. A Deputy Lieutenant assists the Lord Lieutenant, who is the monarch's personal representative in that county, in carrying out duties such as royal visits, honours nominations, and ceremonial functions. It signifies a long-standing commitment to public service within a local community. Sir Peter served as a Deputy Lieutenant for West Sussex, reflecting his strong ties to the region he represented in Parliament.
• PC (Privy Counsellor): Being a member of His Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council is a significant appointment, typically extended to senior politicians, judges, and church figures in the UK and other Commonwealth realms. Members are styled "The Right Honourable." The Privy Council advises the Sovereign and performs a range of executive, legislative, and judicial functions. Sir Peter was appointed to the Privy Council in 1993, a testament to his standing and experience within the political establishment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sir Peter Hordern

Who is Sir Peter Maudslay Hordern?

Sir Peter Maudslay Hordern is a British Conservative Party politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Arundel and later Arundel and South Downs for over 30 years.

When was Sir Peter Hordern born?

He was born on 18 April 1929.

What do the letters DL and PC stand for?

DL stands for Deputy Lieutenant, an honorary position representing the Crown in a specific county. PC stands for Privy Counsellor, indicating membership of the Privy Council, an advisory body to the Sovereign.

Which political party did Sir Peter Hordern belong to?

He was a prominent member of the Conservative Party.

Which constituency did he represent in Parliament?

He represented Arundel from 1964, and subsequently Arundel and South Downs, until he retired from Parliament in 1997.

What were Sir Peter Hordern's main political interests?

He was particularly interested in economic affairs and was a strong advocate for free-market economic policies throughout his parliamentary career.