Nigel Lawson, a former chancellor who served in Margaret Thatcher’s Cabinet in the 1980s, passed away at the age of 91.
He represented Blaby as an MP from 1974 to 1992.
From 1981 through 1989, the majority of Margaret Thatcher’s time in office at 10 Downing Street, he served in her cabinet.
In a memorial post on Twitter, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the party heavyweight “was a transformational chancellor and an inspiration to me and many others.”
Former PM, Boris Johnson paid tribute and said: ‘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.’
Conservative Party Chairman Greg Hands said Lord Lawson ‘will be remembered for his clarity of thinking, commitment to free market economics and willingness to challenge orthodoxy’
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly tweeted: ‘A true statesman. His contributions to this nation will not be forgotten.’
Best known for his role as chancellor, he retired from the House of Lords in December, ending a parliamentary career stretching back nearly five decades.
Lord Lawson had six children including celebrity chef Nigella Lawson and journalist Dominic Lawson.