Nigella Lawson has broken her silence over the death of her late Conservative MP dad Nigel Lawson.
Nigella Lawson has broken her silence over the death of her late Conservative MP dad Nigel Lawson
The 63-year-old TV chef had remained silent after her father’s passing aged 91 was confirmed on Monday (03.04.23), but spoke out on Tuesday to thank fans for their support.
She tweeted: “Thank you for all your kind messages. And I’ll be back on here properly tomorrow.”
Lord Lawson’s political career spanned nearly five decades, with the former chancellor serving in Margaret Thatcher’s cabinet from 1981 to 1989, and earning himself a reputation as a “fearless” tax-cutter among contemporary politicians such as the current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Nigella is one of Mr Lawson’s six children alongside journalist Dominic Lawson, 66, and the headmaster of Eastbourne College, Tom Lawson.
The late politician had Nigella with his fifth wife Vanessa Salmon, who died aged 48 from liver cancer in 1985 when the chef was 25.
Lord Lawson represented the old Leicestershire constituency of Blaby from 1974 to 1992, and joined the House of Lords in 1992 before retiring in January.
Among the tributes that flooded in as soon as his death was announced was one from Mr Sunak.
He 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 hailed Lord Lawson as a “giant” who “helped millions of British people achieve their dreams” through his work on the economy.
He said on Twitter: “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 Cleverley tweeted: “Sad news that Nigel Lawson has died.
A true statesman. His contributions to this nation will not be forgotten.”
Tory Chairman Greg Hands praised the late politician’s “clarity of thinking”.
Born in Hampstead, North London, on 11 March, 1932, Lord Lawson completed National Service in the Royal Navy before he became a journalist at the Financial Times in 1956, where his son Dominic later worked.
He unsuccessfully stood in the 1970 general election for the Eton and Slough seat, before he became an MP for Blaby, central Leicestershire.
Tagged in Margaret Thatcher Nigella Lawson Boris Johnson