Heseltine, Michael Ray Dibdin

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Heseltine, Michael Ray Dibdin (1933– ) British statesman, deputy prime minister (1995–97). He entered Parliament in 1966. In Margaret Thatcher's cabinet, he was secretary of state for the environment (1979–83) and defence secretary (1983–86), resigning over the Westland Affair. Heseltine rejoined the cabinet as secretary of state for the environment (1990–92) under John Major's leadership. As secretary of state for trade and industry (1992–95), he announced a drastic programme of pit closures. Despite a heart attack, Heseltine continued as deputy prime minister. Following electoral defeat (1997), he took a less active role in Conservative Party politics.

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Michael Ray Dibdin Heseltine

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