Former Conservative chancellor Nigel Lawson dies aged 91

FORMER Conservative chancellor, Nigel Lawson, has died at the age of 91.

Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson have been among those sending messages of condolence.

Sunak described the party grandee and leading Brexiteer as an “inspiration” while Johnson said he was a “giant” of Tory politics.

From 1983 until his resignation in 1989, the former MP served as Margaret Thatcher’s chancellor before sitting in the House of Lords as Baron Lawson of Blaby until his retirement in December.

Former cancellor Nigel Lawson has died aged 91 (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Having been editor of right-wing magazine The Spectator, he entered the Commons in 1974 as the representative for Blaby in Leicestershire and stayed there until 1992.

Sunak, who is also a former chancellor, said Lord Lawson was a “transformational chancellor and an inspiration to me and many others”.

Johnson described him as a “fearless and original flame of free market Conservatism”.

“He was a tax-cutter and simplifier who helped transform the economic landscape and helped millions of British people achieve their dreams,” the former prime minister added.

“He was a prophet of Brexit and a lover of continental Europe. He was a giant. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Nigel Lawson was a fearless and original flame of free market Conservatism. He was a tax-cutter and simplifier who helped transform the economic landscape and helped millions of British people achieve their dreams.

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 3, 2023

Lord Lawson also worked on the Financial Times and the Sunday Telegraph.

He had six children including celebrity cook and food writer Nigella and journalist Dominic.

The Telegraph first reported his death and his family are yet to comment.

While serving in the Thatcher government, Lord Lawson slashed personal taxation.

His resignation in 1989 after rows over Europe and economic policy marked the early stages of her downfall a year later.

Lord Lawson chaired the Vote Leave campaign ahead of the 2016 EU referendum but faced allegations of hypocrisy after applying for a French residency card.

He also faced criticism for being a denier of the climate crisis.