UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Norman Tebbit, Thatcher’s close ally and former Tory minister, has died at 94; he was known for shaping Thatcherism and surviving the 1984 bombing.
As reported by The Guardian, Norman Tebbit, a senior figure in Margaret Thatcher’s Cabinet, has died at the age of 94.
Lord Tebbit’s family views on his death
William Tebbit confirmed his father’s death in a statement, saying,
“At 11.15 pm on 7 July 2025, Lord Tebbit died peacefully at home aged 94. His family ask that their privacy is respected at this time, and a further statement regarding funeral arrangements will be made in due course.”
What did Kemi Badenoch say about Lord Tebbit’s legacy?
Kemi Badenoch, Tory leader, said Tebbit
“was an icon in British politics and his death will cause sadness across the political spectrum.”
She stated,
“He was one of the leading exponents of the philosophy we now know as Thatcherism and his unstinting service in the pursuit of improving our country should be held up as an inspiration to all Conservatives. As a minister in Mrs Thatcher’s administration, he was one of the main agents of the transformation of our country, notably in taming the trade unions.”
Ms Badenoch added,
“But to many of us it was the stoicism and courage he showed in the face of terrorism which inspired us as he rebuilt his political career after suffering terrible injuries in the Brighton bomb, and cared selflessly for his wife, Margaret, who was gravely disabled in the bombing – a reminder that he was first and foremost a family man who always held to his principles. He never buckled under pressure, and he never compromised.”
Bruges Group’s stance on Lord Tebbit’s Eurosceptic legacy
The Bruges Group, a leading Eurosceptic think tank, paid tribute to the former Tory Cabinet minister, stating,
“Today we mourn the loss of a political titan without whom the Thatcher revolution may have looked very different.”
They added,
“A passionate Eurosceptic, Lord Tebbit also served as President of the Bruges Group, leading our years-long campaign against EU integration.”
Simon Clarke’s views on Lord Tebbit after his death
Simon Clarke, a former Conservative Cabinet minister, described him as a “political giant.”
He added Tibbet was
“combative with his opponents, fiercely loyal to his friends, somebody who would never accept Britain in decline.”
Lord Tebbit’s roles during his political career
Lord Tebbit served as the Member of Parliament for Epping and Chingford for two decades before being appointed a life peer, becoming Lord Tebbit of Chingford. He stepped down in 2022.
Tebbit held a series of key posts during his time in public office.
His roles included:
- Employment Secretary
- Trade and Industry Secretary
- Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
- Chair of the Conservative Party
He played a key role in challenging the trade unions. During his tenure as Conservative Party chair from 1985 to 1987.
The former minister also helped Margaret Thatcher secure a third successive general election victory.
Lord Tebbit sustained serious injuries in the IRA’s 1984 bombing of Brighton’s Grand Hotel. The attack left his wife, Margaret, paralysed from the neck down.