The former Chancellor of the Exchequer under Margaret Thatcher and a well-known figure in British politics during the 1980s, Nigel Lawson, has died at the age of 91.
In his capacity as Chancellor from 1983 to 1989, he played a significant role in the government’s initiatives to reduce the size of the state and privatize considerable chunks of the public sector, a strategy that has largely persisted.
Current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak lauded Lawson as a transformational chancellor and a source of motivation for himself and others after learning of his passing. When Sunak was appointed Chancellor, he even had a portrait of Lawson hanging in his office.
Lawson received praise from former British prime minister Boris Johnson, who referred to him as a “fearless and original flame of free market Conservatism” who changed both the economic climate and the lives of millions of Britons. Lawson, according to Johnson, was a fervent supporter of Brexit and had a profound love for continental Europe.
Since Lawson’s legacy and contributions to British politics are well-known, his passing has sparked emotions from all political perspectives.
Nigel Lawson’s first wife: Who was Vanessa Salmon?
The public has also been interested in Nigel Lawson’s personal life, particularly his marriages to two well-known women.
Thérese Maclear was Nigel’s first wife, and they were the parents of Nigella Lawson and Dominic Lawson.
Dominic went on to pursue a career in journalism and editing, while Nigella went on to become a well-known chef and television personality. Despite having flourishing professions, Nigel and Thérese’s union ended in 1980.
Later, in 1986, he wed Vanessa Salmon. Vanessa was a prosperous businesswoman and fashion editor, and the couple had two kids together.
Regrettably, Nigel had to deal with the loss of his beloved wife after Vanessa passed away in 2015. He finally fell in love again, though, and is now wed to former lawmaker Gillian Troughton.