Nigel Lawson, English journalist and politician, Chancellor of the Exchequer

Born on March 11, 1932,

Nigel Lawson, Baron Lawson of Blaby, is a distinguished British Conservative politician and journalist whose career significantly shaped the economic landscape of the United Kingdom in the late 20th century. Renowned for his intellectual rigour and commitment to free-market principles, Lawson's influence extended from the benches of Parliament to the very heart of Margaret Thatcher's cabinet, where he played a pivotal role in implementing some of the era's most transformative policies.

Early Life and Political Ascent

Before becoming a household name in British politics, Lawson honed his skills as a journalist, a background that no doubt contributed to his clear and articulate communication style. His entry into parliamentary life began in 1974 when he was elected as a Member of Parliament for the constituency of Blaby, a seat he would hold with distinction until his retirement from the House of Commons in 1992.

A Key Figure in the Thatcher Government

Lawson's talent and conservative convictions quickly propelled him into the inner circle of the Conservative government. From May 1979, he served as the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, a crucial stepping stone that allowed him to contribute to the economic agenda of the new Thatcher administration. His effectiveness in this role led to his promotion to Secretary of State for Energy, a cabinet post where he began to lay the groundwork for the government's ambitious privatisation programme.

Chancellor of the Exchequer: Architect of Economic Reform

It was in June 1983 that Nigel Lawson ascended to perhaps his most influential position:

Chancellor of the Exchequer.

In this powerful role, which he held until his resignation in October 1989, Lawson became a primary architect of

Margaret Thatcher's

economic revolution. Alongside the Prime Minister, he was a staunch proponent of the

privatisation

of several key state-owned industries, a policy aimed at boosting efficiency and reducing government intervention in the economy. This period saw the sale of major companies like British Telecom, British Airways, and British Gas, fundamentally reshaping the UK's industrial landscape and challenging the post-war consensus.

The 'Big Bang' and Financial Deregulation

One of Lawson's most enduring legacies as Chancellor was his oversight of the dramatic deregulation of financial markets in 1986, an event famously dubbed the

'Big Bang'

. This momentous change removed fixed commissions, allowed foreign firms to operate freely in the London Stock Exchange, and introduced electronic trading, revolutionising the city's financial sector. The 'Big Bang' decisively strengthened

London's place as a global financial capital

, attracting immense international investment and solidifying its competitive edge. It was a bold move that some credit with laying the foundations for London's current dominance in global finance, though it also ushered in an era of increased financial complexity and risk.

Post-Cabinet Life and Continued Influence

After his resignation from the Cabinet in 1989, Lawson continued to serve as a backbencher until his retirement from the House of Commons in 1992. His political journey, however, did not end there. He subsequently took a seat in the

House of Lords

as a life peer,

Baron Lawson of Blaby

, where he has remained an active and often provocative voice in public debate. He has continued to be a prominent figure in British politics, notably as President of Conservatives for Britain, a leading campaign advocating for the UK's withdrawal from the

European Union

. A vocal critic of the EU for many years, Lawson was a strong supporter of the

Vote Leave

campaign during the 2016 referendum, arguing for national sovereignty and economic independence. Furthermore, he served as chairman of the Global Warming Policy Foundation think tank, contributing to discussions on climate change policy from a distinctly critical perspective.

Family Life

Beyond his political career, Nigel Lawson is also a family man. He is the proud father of six children, several of whom have achieved public recognition in their own right. Among them are

Nigella Lawson

, the internationally acclaimed food writer and celebrity cook,

Dominic Lawson

, a respected journalist, and Tom Lawson, who serves as the headmaster of Eastbourne College, reflecting a diverse array of talents within the family.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nigel Lawson

Who is Nigel Lawson?

Nigel Lawson, Baron Lawson of Blaby, is a British Conservative politician and journalist, most notably serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher from 1983 to 1989. He was a key figure in implementing free-market reforms and privatisations.

When was Nigel Lawson Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Nigel Lawson served as the Chancellor of the Exchequer from June 1983 until his resignation in October 1989.

What was the 'Big Bang' and what was Nigel Lawson's role in it?

The 'Big Bang' refers to the sudden deregulation of the London financial markets in 1986, which removed trading restrictions and modernised the stock exchange. As Chancellor, Nigel Lawson oversaw this reform, which significantly bolstered London's position as a leading global financial centre.

What are Nigel Lawson's views on the European Union?

Nigel Lawson has long been a prominent Eurosceptic and a vocal critic of the European Union. He served as President of Conservatives for Britain, a campaign group for the UK to leave the EU, and was an active supporter of the Vote Leave campaign during the 2016 referendum, advocating for Brexit.

Is Nigella Lawson related to Nigel Lawson?

Yes, the internationally renowned food writer and celebrity cook, Nigella Lawson, is one of Nigel Lawson's six children.

What other roles did Nigel Lawson hold in government?

Prior to becoming Chancellor, Nigel Lawson served as the Financial Secretary to the Treasury from 1979 to 1981 and then as the Secretary of State for Energy from 1981 to 1983.