Last updated on: February 23, 2025
Early Life and Education
Nigel Lawson was born March 11, 1932 in Hampstead, London to parents with Jewish roots who changed their surname from Leibson to Lawson after becoming British citizens.
Nigel studied at Westminster School, one of London’s premier secondary schools. After that he went to Christ Church Oxford to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), providing him with a foundation in both politics and journalism that has informed his career since then.
Quick Facts About Nigel Lawson
| Full Name | Nigel Lawson, Baron Lawson of Blaby |
| Birthdate | March 11, 1932, Hampstead, London |
| Occupation | Politician, Journalist |
| Husband/Wife | Vanessa Salmon (m.1955–1985), Thérèse Maclear (m.1986–2012) |
| Education | Westminster School, Christ Church, Oxford (PPE) |
| Age (at death) | 91 years old (Died on April 3, 2023) |
| Parents | Ralph Lawson (Father), Joan Elizabeth Davis (Mother) |
| Siblings | Cosima Diamond, Bruno Paul Diamond, Domenica Lawson, Savannah Vanessa Lucia Lawson |
| Children | Nigella Lawson, Dominic Lawson, Horatia Lawson, Thomasina Lawson, Tom Lawson, Emily Lawson |
| Net Worth | Estimated $20 million (at the time of death) |
Career in Journalism
Nigel began his journalistic journey as a reporter for Financial Times and The Sunday Telegraph respectively in 1956 and 1961 respectively, respectively. His ability to articulate complex financial concepts made him stand out.
From 1966 to 1970, he served as editor of The Spectator magazine in Britain and developed skills he would later put to use in politics.
Political Career
Nigel first entered politics during the early 1970s. At first he assisted Conservative leaders Harold Macmillan and Alec Douglas-Home with their speeches before eventually becoming Member of Parliament (MP) for Blaby in Leicestershire in 1974.
His political career quickly advanced. In 1979, he was appointed Financial Secretary to the Treasury; later becoming Secretary of State for Energy.
He rose to prominence when Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher appointed him Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1983 and served until 1989, during which time he implemented tax cuts, promoted privatization efforts, and supported free-market policies – all changes which shaped British economic policies at that time.
Post-Politics and Later Work
Nigel Lawson After Retiring in 1989 Even after leaving politics in 1989, Nigel remained actively engaged with public life, publishing several books including his weight-loss guide called the Nigel Lawson Diet Book as well as working with various companies and organizations.
Nigel became an outspoken supporter of Brexit in 2010, becoming chairman of Vote Leave, the official campaign to leave the European Union.
Family Life
Nigel married Vanessa Salmon, an heiress to Lyons Corner House food empire. Together they had five children:
Nigella Lawson – Acclaimed chef and television personality.
Dominic Lawson – Dominic is an established journalist.
Horatia Lawson is an award-winning television producer.
Thomasina Lawson tragically succumbed to breast cancer at just 31.
Tom Lawson – Headmaster of Eastbourne College.
Nigel married Therese Maclear following Vanessa’s death.
Connection with Nigella Lawson
Nigella Lawson had a close bond with both of her parents; Nigella often spoke about how their work ethic and passion for food shaped her life and that Vanessa also played an instrumental part in developing Nigella’s passion for cooking.
Nigella Lawson’s brother Dominic Lawson became an accomplished journalist. He served as editor for The Spectator, wrote for major publications such as Time Out London and was appointed as President of the English Chess Federation.
READ ALSO: Nigella Lawso Net worth, Age, Husband, Family, Facts & More
Personal Challenges and Losses
Nigel experienced personal tragedies. In 1985, Vanessa Salmon passed away due to liver cancer; later in 1993 he lost Thomasina due to breast cancer.
Dominic and Rosa Monckton suffered immense grief upon losing Natalia at birth; Domenica, born with Down syndrome later became Princess Diana’s goddaughter.
Death and Legacy
Nigel Lawson passed away on April 3rd 2023 at age 91, leaving a legacy through his children, including Nigella who has become an international star in both food and media circles.
Nigel Lawson will long be remembered not just as Nigella Lawson’s father but as someone whose work helped shape modern Britain with his ideas and commitment.
