Nigel Lawson, a former Chancellor of the Exchequer under Margaret Thatcher and a key figure in British politics during the 1980s, died at the age of 91.
As Chancellor from 1983 to 1989, he was a significant figure in the government’s efforts to reduce the size of the state and privatize large sectors of the public sector, a strategy that has largely been maintained.
When current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak learned of Lawson’s death, he praised him as a transformational chancellor and a source of inspiration for himself and others. When Sunak became Chancellor, he even displayed a portrait of Lawson in his office.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised Lawson as a “fearless and original flame of free market Conservatism” who helped reshape the economic landscape and the lives of millions of British people.
Johnson went on to say that Lawson was a staunch supporter of Brexit and had a profound appreciation for continental Europe.
Lawson’s death attracted reactions from politicians across the political spectrum since his legacy and contributions to British politics are generally acknowledged.
Nigel Lawson children: Meet Nigella Lawson, Dominic Lawson, Tom Lawson, Thomasina Lawson, Horatia Lawson and Emily Hero Lawson
Two of the seven children born to Nigel Lawson were from his first marriage. Nigella Lawson, Dominic Lawson, Thomasina Lawson, Horatia Lawson, Tom Lawson, Emily Lawson, and Emily Hero Lawson are among Nigel Lawson’s children.