Former Conservative Party MP, Chancellor and journalist Nigel Lawson has died at the age of 91.
The father to six children, including celebrity cook Nigella Lawson and journalist Dominic Lawson, he represented the constituency of Blaby from 1974 to 1992 and served in the Cabinet of Margaret Thatcher from 1981 to 1989.
Before entering the Cabinet, Mr Lawson was the Financial Secretary to the Treasury from May 1979 to September 1981.
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The MP was also Secretary of State for Energy and then served as Chancellor of the Exchequer. The leading Brexiteer sat in the House of Lords until his retirement in December.
He began his career as a journalist, working for the Financial Times and the Sunday Telegraph.
Following a report in the Telegraph, former prime minister Boris Johnson, Tory chairman Greg hands and ex-chancellor Sajid Javid were among those marking his death.
Mr Johnson said: “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.
“He was a prophet of Brexit and a lover of continental Europe. He was a giant. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “One of the first things I did as Chancellor was hang a picture of Nigel Lawson above my desk. He was a transformational chancellor and an inspiration to me and many others. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
Also paying tribute, former chancellor Sajid Javid said: “Very saddened to hear this. One of Britain’s greatest public servants, especially as Chancellor.”
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