Nigel Lawson, an ex-Conservative Party politician and journalist, died at the age of 91.
He was an MP for the Blaby constituency from 1974 to 1992 and served in Margaret Thatcher’s cabinet from 1981 to 1989.
From May 1979 until his promotion to Secretary of State for Energy, he served as Financial Secretary to the Treasury.
In June 1983, he was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer, a position he held until his resignation in October 1989.
Tributes have been paid to Conservative former chancellor Nigel Lawson. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Tory Chairman Greg Hands, and ex-Chancellor Sajid Javid were among those mourning his death.
Johnson said: “Nigel Lawson was a fearless and original flame of free market Conservatism. He was a tax-cutter and simplifier who helped transform the economic landscape and helped millions of British people achieve their dreams.
“He was a prophet of Brexit and a lover of continental Europe. He was a giant. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Current and former Conservative cabinet ministers said Nigel Lawson was one of “Britain’s greatest public servants”.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said on Twitter: “Sad news that Nigel Lawson has died.
“A true statesman. His contributions to this nation will not be forgotten.”
Rishi Sunak said: “One of the first things I did as Chancellor was hang a picture of Nigel Lawson above my desk.
“He was a transformational chancellor and an inspiration to me and many others.
“My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”