Heseltine, Michael

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Heseltine, Michael (b. 1933). Conservative politician. Heseltine entered politics after making his fortune in publishing. He believes in a combination of entrepreneurial enterprise and partnership between government and industry. As environment secretary (1979–83) he pioneered the sale of council houses, rate-capping of local authorities, and development corporations to regenerate inner cities. Popular with party grass roots and noted for his rousing conference speeches, Heseltine was never fully trusted by Mrs Thatcher. In January 1986 he walked out of cabinet, resigning as defence secretary (1983–6), over the fate of the Westland Helicopter Company. In November 1990 Heseltine precipitated Thatcher's retirement in a leadership challenge. His own ambition to be prime minister was thwarted by losing to John Major in the second ballot. For his loyalty to Major in the 1995 July leadership contest he was created deputy prime minister and 1st secretary of state. He gave up his seat for Henley in 2001 and became a life peer.

Richard A. Smith

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