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Norman TebbitBritish politician
Date of Birth: 29.03.1931
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Norman Tebbit: Politician and Former Conservative MP
- Aviation Career and BA Membership
- Political Career
- Retirement and House of Lords
Norman Tebbit: Politician and Former Conservative MP
Early Life and Pre-Political CareerBorn in Ponder's End, Middlesex, Norman Tebbit hailed from a working-class family. At 16, he joined the Financial Times and became involved in the National Association of Theatrical and Kine Employees (NATSOPA). Opposing union policies that punished criticism, Tebbit vowed to "break the closed shop."
In 1950, Tebbit joined the Royal Air Force, serving as a pilot officer. He later received the rank of flying officer. During his RAF tenure, he flew Meteor and Vampire jets. In 1954, he survived a near-fatal crash, breaking his back in the process.
Aviation Career and BA Membership
After leaving the RAF, Tebbit joined BOAC in 1953 as a navigator and pilot. He also continued flying with the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. Tebbit played a role in the British Airline Pilots' Association and earned his navigation qualifications through a rigorous academic program in spherical trigonometry.
Political Career
A Conservative Party member, Tebbit entered Parliament in 1970, representing Epping and later Chingford. He held various ministerial positions from 1981 to 1987, including Secretary of State for Employment, Trade and Industry, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and Chairman of the Conservative Party.
In 1984, Tebbit was severely injured in the IRA bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton. His wife, Margaret, was left disabled. Tebbit left the cabinet after the 1987 general election to care for her.
Retirement and House of Lords
Tebbit did not seek reelection in 1992 and was elevated to the House of Lords as Baron Tebbit of Chingford. He retired from the House of Lords on March 31, 2022.
