Nigel Lawson: Tributes paid to 'inspirational' former chancellor after he dies aged 91

Conservative Party members have shared their sadness at the loss of the former chancellor

Nigel Lawson was described as 'a transformational chancellor' by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. PA

Tributes have poured in for Conservative former chancellor Nigel Lawson after his death at the age of 91.

The former MP was 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 House Commons in 1974 as the representative for Blaby in Leicestershire and stayed there until 1992.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak led tributes, saying Mr Lawson was "transformational" and an "inspiration".

"One of the first things I did as chancellor was hang a picture of Nigel Lawson above my desk," Mr Sunak wrote on Twitter.

"He was a transformational chancellor and an inspiration to me and many others.

"My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."

Lord Lawson was described by Boris Johnson as a “giant” of Tory politics, and by Foreign Secretary James Cleverly as a “true statesman”.

“Nigel Lawson was a fearless and original flame of free-market Conservatism," Mr Johnson said.

"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.”

Former Conservative Party leader Lord Hague said Lord Lawson changed politics.

He told Times Radio: "He is the iconic Tory chancellor because he combined growth, simplified taxes and balancing the budget all at the same time, and created the whole intellectual framework that brought that about.

"He really did change politics, because of the intellect he provided for the Thatcher government, and it destroyed that government.

"His importance you can see from what I experienced as a new MP in 1989 when suddenly everything fell apart.

"Suddenly he resigned, which came out of the blue to people who weren't on the inside of the disagreements between Thatcher and Lawson, and that really started to break apart the whole Thatcher government and bring her down.

"So this is a very towering figure in politics whose resignation would do something like that."

Lord Lawson resigned as Lady Thatcher's chancellor after a long-running battle over her reliance on economic advisor Sir Alan Walters.

The bombshell resignation in October 1989 marked the early stages of a series of events which were to lead to Lady Thatcher's own downfall 13 months later.

Tributes to the former chancellor extended beyond party lines, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer describing Lord Lawson as "a real powerhouse".

Speaking to broadcasters during a visit to Burnley College, Sir Keir said: "Nigel Lawson was a real powerhouse. And it was possible, quite rightly, for people to disagree profoundly with what he said but have a huge respect for him.

"And I think you've seen an outpouring of that respect across the political parties today. And I think that is truly fitting of Nigel Lawson."

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said on Twitter: "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."

Conservative Party chairman Greg Hands said: “Am sad to learn of the passing of Nigel Lawson.

“He was active in Conservatives politics until very recently, and will be remembered for his clarity of thinking, commitment to free market economics and willingness to challenge orthodoxies.”

Former chancellor Sajid Javid said: “Very saddened to hear this. One of Britain’s greatest public servants, especially as chancellor.