We mourn the passing of former British MP Norman Tebbit, who has died peacefully at home at the age of 94.
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A stalwart of the Conservative Party, Mr. Tebbit was a close ally of Margaret Thatcher, playing a pivotal role in shaping Tory politics for over a generation. His tenacity was evident during his tenure as Employment Secretary, where he took decisive action against trade unions. As Chairman of the Conservative Party from 1985 to 1987, he was instrumental in securing Ms. Thatcher’s historic third general election victory.
Tragically, Mr. Tebbit was severely injured in the 1984 Brighton bombing, an event that profoundly affected his life and that of his wife, Margaret, who was left paralyzed. This was a defining moment in his life, showcasing both his resilience and the personal cost of political life.
In a heartfelt statement, Mr. Tebbit’s son, William, shared the news: “At 11:15 PM on July 7, 2025, Lord Tebbit died peacefully at home aged 94. His family requests privacy during this time, and further details regarding funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.”
Mr. Tebbit first entered Parliament as the Conservative MP for Epping in 1970, aligning himself with the right-wing Monday Club. When Ms. Thatcher became party leader in 1975, he became a staunch supporter of her vision for free-market reforms, aiming to reduce the influence of trade unions that had adversely affected previous Conservative governments.
He notably spearheaded legislation during his time as Employment Secretary that weakened the power of the union “closed shop” and limited their immunity from civil damages. His approach to politics was marked by the belief that “hard work and determination can lead to change,” which resonated in his policies.
Mr. Tebbit’s candor often landed him in the public eye. Following the 1981 inner-city riots in Handsworth and Brixton, he made a controversial remark that earned him the nickname “Onyerbike.” He famously stated, “I grew up in the Thirties with an unemployed father. He didn’t riot. He got on his bike and looked for work, and he kept looking till he found it,” challenging the narrative of unrest driven by unemployment.
His relationship with Ms. Thatcher was complex; he recalled moments of uncertainty about his job security after leaving No. 10 Downing Street. Yet, Mr. Tebbit boldly asserted, “I was never frightened of her. The most she could do was sack me. I didn’t see any point in not standing up to her.”
After the Conservative victory in the 1983 general election, Mr. Tebbit shifted to a role in trade and industry. However, life took a dramatic turn when an IRA bomb attacked Brighton’s Grand Hotel during the Conservative Party conference. Ms. Thatcher was the intended target, but she escaped unharmed. It took hours for rescue teams to reach Mr. Tebbit and his wife from the rubble, and while he eventually returned to public life, his wife required continuous care until her passing in 2020.
Mr. Tebbit remained politically engaged, particularly on European issues, after stepping down as an MP in 1992, becoming a life peer and authoring several books, including the surprisingly popular “The Game Cookbook,” released in 2009.
In a tribute, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch remarked, “Norman Tebbit was an icon in British politics, and his death will evoke sadness across the political spectrum. He was a leading proponent of the philosophy we now know as Thatcherism, and his unwavering dedication to improving our country serves as an inspiration to all Conservatives. He never buckled under pressure and he never compromised.”
Mr. Tebbit’s legacy will undoubtedly resonate within the corridors of British politics for years to come.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
