Anthony Hamilton-Smith, 3rd Baron Colwyn, English dentist and politician

Anthony Hamilton-Smith: A Peer, Dentist, and Politician in the House of Lords

Ian Anthony Hamilton-Smith, 3rd Baron Colwyn, widely recognised as Anthony Hamilton-Smith, was born on 1 January 1942. He is a distinguished figure in British public life, renowned for his diverse contributions as a hereditary peer, a dedicated dentist, and an active politician.

A Distinguished Parliamentary Career

Lord Colwyn holds a unique position within the United Kingdom's legislative body, the House of Lords. He is one of the 90 hereditary peers who were elected to retain their seats following the significant reforms introduced by the House of Lords Act 1999. This landmark legislation drastically reduced the number of hereditary peers eligible to sit in the Upper Chamber, making his continued presence a testament to his elected standing among his peers. Sitting as a Conservative peer, he contributes to policy debate and legislative scrutiny from a centre-right political perspective.

Remarkably, Lord Colwyn holds the distinction of being one of the longest-serving members of the House of Lords. His extensive tenure in Parliament is particularly noteworthy given the reforms; for a period, he held the distinction of the second longest-serving member after Lord Selsdon, who departed the House on 11 May 2021, further highlighting Lord Colwyn's enduring commitment to parliamentary service.

Formative Years and Professional Foundations

Lord Colwyn's educational journey laid a robust foundation for his multifaceted career. He received his early education at Cheltenham College, a prestigious independent school. His medical and dental training commenced at prominent institutions in London: St Bartholomew's Hospital and the Royal Dental Hospital. Furthering his academic pursuits, he attended the University of London, where he achieved a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and a Licentiate in Dental Surgery (LDS) in 1966. These qualifications are highly regarded in the dental profession, signifying comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical skill. In the same pivotal year, he also became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, a hallmark of professional excellence in surgical and dental fields. Concurrently, he succeeded to his father's noble titles, becoming the 3rd Baron Colwyn.

A Prolific Dental and Business Professional

Lord Colwyn's professional life was characterised by extensive involvement in dentistry and various business ventures, demonstrating a broad range of leadership capabilities:

• Dental Practice: He maintained an active dental practice for four decades, from 1965 to 2005, providing direct patient care and contributing to the oral health of the community.
• Professional Support Organisations:
  • Chair of Dental Protection Ltd (1995-2001): This organisation is a leading provider of indemnity and advice for dental professionals worldwide, ensuring they are protected against clinical negligence claims.
  • Non-Executive Director of Medical Protection Society (1989-2002): Similar to Dental Protection, the Medical Protection Society offers legal and professional support to doctors, dentists, and healthcare professionals globally.
• Healthcare Initiatives: He served as a non-executive director for Project Hope between 1996 and 2001, an international non-profit organisation dedicated to providing health education and humanitarian assistance.
• Musical Endeavours: Showcasing his diverse interests, Lord Colwyn is also the bandleader of the "Lord Colwyn Organisation," reflecting his passion for music.
• Media Involvement: He ventured into local media, chairing the radiostation Raw FM in 1998 and 1999, and Banbury Local Radio from 2003 to 2005.
• Business Leadership:
  • Chair of Campbell Montague International (2005-2008): This role involved leadership in a business context, though specific details of the company's focus are not provided.
  • Chair of Dental Sedation Practice (2005-2008): This likely involved overseeing a practice specialising in dental sedation techniques, a crucial area for patient comfort in dentistry.

In 2008, Lord Colwyn stepped down as chairman of Campbell Montague International, citing increasing commitments to his duties in the House of Lords. This decision underscores the significant demands of parliamentary service and his dedication to his role as a peer.

Commitment to Public Service and Professional Bodies

Beyond his direct professional and parliamentary roles, Lord Colwyn has demonstrated a deep commitment to various trusts, societies, and associations, reflecting his broad interests in healthcare, industry, and the arts:

• Trusteeships:
  • Eastman Research Institute Trust (1990-2001): Involved in supporting dental and oral health research.
  • Portman Estate (since 2004): A trustee for one of London's historic landed estates, managing significant property assets.
• Fellowships and Memberships:
  • Fellow of the Industry and Parliament Trust: Promoting understanding between industry and Parliament.
  • Member of the Royal Society of Medicine: A prestigious body dedicated to advancing healthcare through education and debate.
  • Fellow of the Institute of Directors (1999-2001): Recognising professional standards for directors.
• Presidencies and Council Memberships:
  • President of the Natural Medicines Society (1988-2005): Indicating an interest in complementary and alternative medicine.
  • President of the Huntington's Disease Association (1991-1998): Supporting individuals and families affected by this neurodegenerative condition.
  • President of the Society for Advancement of Anaesthesia in Dentistry (1993-1998): Focused on improving pain and anxiety control in dental procedures.
  • President of the Arterial Health Foundation (1993-2004): Dedicated to promoting cardiovascular health.
  • President of the Metropolitan Branch of the British Dental Association (BDA) (1994-1995): A key leadership role within the principal professional body for dentists in the UK.
  • Council Member of the Medical Protection Society (1994-2001): Contributing to the governance of this vital indemnity organisation.
• Honours and Recognitions:
  • Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) (invested 1989): A high-ranking honour awarded for a prominent role at a national level or for distinguished service.
  • Fellow of the British Dental Association (2005): A significant professional recognition from the BDA.
• Parliamentary Group Involvement: He serves as joint chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group, an informal cross-party group dedicated to promoting and celebrating jazz music within the parliamentary context.

Personal Life and Family

Lord Colwyn has been married twice. His first marriage was to Sonia Jane Morgan in 1964. Following their divorce in 1976, he married Nicola Jeanne Tyers in 1977. From his first marriage, he has a son, Craig Peter Hamilton-Smith, and a daughter, Jacqueline Jane Hamilton-Smith, who is married to the well-known actor Sean Pertwee. His second marriage brought him two more daughters, Kirsten Antonia Hamilton-Smith and Tanya Nicole Hamilton-Smith, expanding his family.

What is Lord Colwyn's full name and title?

His full name is Ian Anthony Hamilton-Smith, and he holds the hereditary title of 3rd Baron Colwyn.

What is his political affiliation in the House of Lords?

Lord Colwyn sits as a Conservative peer in the House of Lords.

How did he remain in the House of Lords after the House of Lords Act 1999?

He is one of the 90 hereditary peers who were elected by their fellow peers to retain their seats following the reforms introduced by the House of Lords Act 1999.

What was Lord Colwyn's primary professional background before his extensive public service?

His primary professional background was as a dentist, practising from 1965 to 2005.

What significant awards or honours has Lord Colwyn received?

He was invested as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1989 and became a Fellow of the British Dental Association in 2005.