Thatcher-era Chancellor Nigel Lawson dies aged 91

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Nigel Lawson, former Conservative Chancellor, has died aged 91. Lawson held many positions in Margaret Thatcher's government, but was best known for his role as Chancellor in the 1980s.

Father of six children - including cook Nigella and journalist Dominic - Lawson represented the constituency of Blaby from 1974 to 1992, before serving in the House of Lords until his retirement in December.

He is closely associated with the economic reforms and privatization policies that marked the Thatcher's premiership and significantly reshaped Britain.

Before entering politics at the age of 42, Lawson worked as editor of The Spectator. He has also worked as a journalist for the Financial Times and the Sunday Telegraph.

Rishi Sunak and his predecessor Boris Johnson were among prominent Tory MPs to pay their respects to Lawson on Monday evening following news of his death.

Mr. Johnson described him as "a fearless and original flame of liberal conservatism".

"He was a tax reliever and a simplifyer who helped transform the economic landscape and helped millions of Britons to make their dreams come true,” Mr Johnson said. “He was a Brexit prophet and a lover of continental Europe. He was a giant. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Nigel Lawson in 2013

Mr Sunak said 'one of the first things I did as chancellor was hang a picture of Nigel Lawson above my desk', describing him as 'a transformational chancellor and an inspiration for me and many others".

Liz Truss said: "Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Nigel Lawson. A veritable giant of 20th century politics who, as chancellor, sought to abolish at least one tax in every budget. His time as head of the Treasury has been transformational."

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly described Lawson as "a true statesman", adding: "His contributions to this nation will not be forgotten."

Sajid Javid, a former chancellor, described Lawson as "one of Britain's greatest civil servants, especially as chancellor".

Lawson was active in conservative politics "until very recently",...