Michael Heseltine

Michael Heseltine
source
Honorific prefix	The Right Honourable
Name	Michael Heseltine
Honorific suffix	CH PC
Birth date	21 March 1933
Birth place	Swarland, Northumberland, England
Party	Conservative Party (UK)
Spouse	Anne Heseltine, Baroness Heseltine

Michael Heseltine is a British politician and businessman who served as a Member of Parliament (UK) for Henley (UK Parliament constituency) and later as a Life peer in the House of Lords. He was a key figure in the Conservative Party (UK) and held various cabinet positions, including Secretary of State for Defence and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Heseltine's career was marked by his involvement in significant events, such as the Westland affair and the Leadership election of the Conservative Party (UK), 1990. He was also a close associate of prominent politicians, including Margaret Thatcher and John Major.

● Early Life and Education

Michael Heseltine was born in Swarland, Northumberland, England, to Brenda Heseltine and John Heseltine. He was educated at Shrewsbury School and later attended Pembroke College, Oxford, where he studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics alongside notable figures like Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 7th Marquess of Salisbury and William Rees-Mogg. Heseltine's time at Oxford University was marked by his involvement in the Oxford University Conservative Association and his friendship with fellow students, including Jonathan Aitken and William Waldegrave.

● Career

Before entering politics, Heseltine worked in the Timber industry and later became a successful Publisher and Businessman. He was the founder of Haymarket Media Group, a company that published various Magazines, including Management Today and The Field (magazine). Heseltine's business career was marked by his association with prominent figures, such as Lloyd's of London and the Institute of Directors. He was also a member of the Court of the University of Bath and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

● Politics

Heseltine's entry into politics began with his election as a Member of Parliament (UK) for Tavistock (UK Parliament constituency) in 1966. He later represented Henley (UK Parliament constituency) and held various cabinet positions, including Secretary of State for the Environment and President of the Board of Trade. Heseltine was a key figure in the Conservative Party (UK) and played a significant role in the Westland affair, which led to the resignation of Leon Brittan and Norman Tebbit. He was also a close associate of Margaret Thatcher and served in her cabinet alongside other notable politicians, including Nigel Lawson and Geoffrey Howe.

● Personal Life

Heseltine is married to Anne Heseltine, Baroness Heseltine, and they have three children together. He is a Life peer in the House of Lords and has been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Royal Academy of Arts and the National Gallery. Heseltine has also been a member of the Other Club and the Garrick Club, and has been associated with prominent figures, such as Prince Charles and Elton John.

● Later Life and Legacy

In his later life, Heseltine has remained involved in politics and has been a vocal critic of Brexit and the European Union referendum, 2016. He has also been a strong advocate for the Conservative Party (UK) to adopt a more centrist approach and has been critical of the party's shift towards Populism. Heseltine's legacy is marked by his significant contributions to British politics, including his role in the Westland affair and his service as Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He has been recognized for his services with various honors, including the Order of the Companions of Honour and the Privy Council of the United Kingdom. Heseltine has also been associated with prominent institutions, including Oxford University, Cambridge University, and the London School of Economics. Category:British politicians