Former Devizes MP and Deputy Conservative Party Leader Michael Ancram dies

By Barrie Hudson - 2 October 2024

CommunityPolitics

Michael Ancram, who was MP for Devizes from 1992 to 2010, has died aged 79.

Born in London into the Scottish aristocracy London, he studied in Edinburgh and worked for a number of years as an advocate - the Scottish equivalent of a barrister.
Mr Ancram first attempted to enter Parliament in 1970, but was not successful until four years later when he won the Berwick and East Lothian seat in the first of two General Eections held in 1974. He lost the seat at the next election months later.
In 1979, Mr Ancram was elected to represent Edinburgh South and held the seat until 1987, and during this stint worked at the Scotland Office.
In 1992 he began an 18-year stint as Devizes MP, during which he served in various roles including Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party, Chairman of the party and shadow ministerial roles.
In 2001 he made an unsuccessful bid to lead the Conservatives.
Mr Ancram stood down as an MP in 2010 due to health problems, and was created a life peer later that year.
He died on 1 October following what was described as a short illness.
 

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