Michael Heseltine

Michael Heseltine
source
Name	Michael Heseltine
Office	Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Term start	20 July 1995
Term end	2 May 1997
Primeminister	John Major
Office1	First Secretary of State
Term start1	20 July 1995
Term end1	2 May 1997
Primeminister1	John Major
Predecessor1	Barbara Castle
Office2	Secretary of State for Defence
Term start2	6 January 1983
Term end2	9 January 1986
Primeminister2	Margaret Thatcher
Predecessor2	John Nott
Successor2	George Younger
Office3	Secretary of State for the Environment
Term start3	5 May 1979
Term end3	6 January 1983
Primeminister3	Margaret Thatcher
Predecessor3	Peter Shore
Successor3	Tom King
Office4	Secretary of State for Trade and Industry
Term start4	11 April 1992
Term end4	5 July 1995
Primeminister4	John Major
Predecessor4	Peter Lilley
Successor4	Ian Lang
Birth date	21 March 1933
Birth place	Swansea, Wales
Party	Conservative
Alma mater	Pembroke College, Oxford
Spouse	Anne Williams, 1962

Michael Heseltine is a prominent British politician, businessman, and author who served as a senior minister in the Conservative governments of Margaret Thatcher and John Major. Known for his flamboyant style and pro-European views, he held several key cabinet positions including Secretary of State for Defence and Secretary of State for the Environment, and was a pivotal figure during the Westland affair. His challenge for the party leadership in 1990 was a catalyst for Thatcher's resignation, and he later served as Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom under Major.

Early life and education

Born in Swansea, he was educated at Shrewsbury School, an independent school in Shropshire. He performed National Service with the Welsh Guards, reaching the rank of Second Lieutenant. He then read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Pembroke College, Oxford, where he was President of the Oxford University Conservative Association and later Chairman of the Oxford Union. His early political interests were shaped during this period, engaging with figures from across the Conservative spectrum.

Business career

Before entering politics full-time, he founded the publishing company Haymarket Media Group, which grew to become one of the United Kingdom's largest private publishing enterprises. His business acumen, particularly in magazine publishing, provided a significant personal fortune and a reputation as a self-made man, which distinguished him from many traditional Conservative politicians. He maintained a direct interest in the company, which published titles like *Campaign* and *Management Today*, throughout much of his political life.

Political career

Elected as the MP for Tavistock in 1966, he later represented Henley from 1974 until his retirement from the House of Commons in 2001. Under Margaret Thatcher, he served as Secretary of State for the Environment, where he pioneered the Urban Development Corporation model to regenerate areas like the London Docklands and Merseyside. As Secretary of State for Defence, he oversaw modernisation programmes but resigned in 1986 over the Westland affair, a cabinet dispute concerning the future of the Westland Helicopters company. His dramatic resignation speech criticised Thatcher's style of government. In 1990, he challenged Thatcher for the leadership of the Conservative Party, a contest that led to her withdrawal and the eventual election of John Major. Under Major, he served as Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and, from 1995 to 1997, as Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and First Secretary of State, where he was given oversight for the coordination of government policy. A committed pro-European, he was a leading figure in the Britain in Europe campaign.

Post-parliamentary activities

After leaving the House of Commons, he was elevated to the House of Lords in 2001 as Baron Heseltine of Thenford in the County of Northamptonshire. He has remained active in public policy, authoring several influential reports for the Cabinet Office on economic growth and local enterprise. He was a vocal supporter of the Remain campaign in the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum and has been critical of subsequent Brexit policies. He continues to write and comment on political issues, particularly regional development and industrial strategy.

Personal life

He married Anne Williams in 1962, and they have three children. The family seat is the estate at Thenford House in Northamptonshire, where he and his wife have created renowned gardens. He is a noted arboriculturist and has written on gardening. His interests include architecture and the regeneration of British cities, themes reflected in his political career and his ongoing advocacy for major infrastructure projects like High Speed 2.

Category:1933 births Category:Living people Category:Conservative Party (UK) life peers Category:Deputy prime ministers of the United Kingdom Category:People educated at Shrewsbury School Category:Alumni of Pembroke College, Oxford