Nigel Lawson: Tributes pour in for Thatcher-era chancellor and Tory 'giant'
Carl Dinnen reports on one of the most 'transformational' chancellors of the postwar era
The prime minister has led tributes have been paid to Conservative former chancellor Nigel Lawson after he died aged 91.
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."
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.”
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said on Twitter: "Sad news that Nigel Lawson has died.
"A true statesman. His contributions to this nation will not be forgotten.”
The former MP served as Margaret Thatcher’s chancellor from 1983 until his resignation in 1989, before sitting in the House of Lords as Baron Lawson of Blaby until his retirement in December.
Having been editor of influential right-wing magazine The Spectator, he entered the Commons in 1974 as the representative for Blaby in Leicestershire and stayed there until 1992.
He was a key orchestrator of Mrs Thatcher's tax-cutting privatising regime.
His resignation in 1989 after rows over Europe and economic policy marked the early stages of her downfall a year later.
He 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.
The late politician is the father of TV chef Nigella Lawson.
Sajid Javid tweeted: “Very saddened to hear this. One of Britain’s greatest public servants, especially as Chancellor. Thinking of his family. May he RIP."
Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said Nigel Lawson was a "giant who changed the political weather."
He tweeted: "Saddened to learn of the passing of Nigel Lawson.
"He was a giant who changed the political weather, a lodestar for Conservatives, and a kind man always generous with his wisdom. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
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