Key Takeaways:
- David Trefgarne, the 2nd Baron Trefgarne, is the longest-serving member of the House of Lords, with 64 years of service.
- He is one of the few remaining hereditary peers, a legislative chain dating back to the 13th century and Magna Carta.
- The House of Lords (hereditary peers) bill, which will receive royal assent in the spring, will mark the end of hereditary peers in the House of Lords.
- Trefgarne has served in various ministerial roles, including as a junior Foreign Office minister during the Falklands war.
- He has worked with several prime ministers, including Margaret Thatcher, David Cameron, and Theresa May, and has expressed his opinions on current politicians, including Boris Johnson and Liz Truss.
Introduction to David Trefgarne
David Trefgarne, the 2nd Baron Trefgarne, is a remarkable figure in British politics. At the age of 84, he is not the oldest active peer in the House of Lords, but he is certainly the longest-serving, with an impressive 64 years of service. As one of the few remaining hereditary peers, Trefgarne is part of a legislative chain that dates back to the 13th century and Magna Carta. However, his time in the House of Lords is coming to an end, as the House of Lords (hereditary peers) bill, which will receive royal assent in the spring, will mark the end of hereditary peers in the House of Lords.
A Life of Service
Trefgarne’s journey in the House of Lords began in June 1962, when life peerages had been in existence for only five years. At that time, the bulk of the upper house was still based around fellow hereditary lawmakers. Over the years, Trefgarne has served in various ministerial roles, including as a junior Foreign Office minister during the Falklands war. He has also worked with several prime ministers, including Margaret Thatcher, David Cameron, and Theresa May. Trefgarne’s experience and knowledge have made him a valuable asset to the House of Lords, and his contributions will be deeply missed.
Reforms and Changes
The reforms under Tony Blair’s government in 1999 slashed the number of hereditary peers to 92, with a remaining rump selected by votes within the Lords. Trefgarne was among those selected by his fellow Conservatives and thus remained in the House of Lords. However, the upcoming bill will mark the end of hereditary peers, and Trefgarne is accepting of this change. He believes that it was inevitable and that the Labour party’s manifesto, which included plans to reform the House of Lords, made it clear that change was coming.
A Career of Distinction
Trefgarne’s career has been marked by distinction and service. He has worked as a commercial pilot, flown a single-engined light plane from England to Australia, and served as a whip for Margaret Thatcher. As a junior Foreign Office minister, he played a crucial role in setting out the government’s position during the Falklands war. Trefgarne’s experience and expertise have made him a respected figure in the House of Lords, and his opinions on current politicians are sought after. He has expressed his admiration for Margaret Thatcher and David Cameron, while being less keen on others, such as Boris Johnson and Liz Truss.
Reflections and Farewell
As Trefgarne prepares to leave the House of Lords, he reflects on his time with a sense of nostalgia. He will miss the chamber in which he has spent so much of his life, but he also recognizes that change is inevitable. Trefgarne’s departure will mark the end of an era, and he is aware of the significance of this moment. He has not always accepted his fate quietly, having helped talk out a bill in 2016 that would have abolished the system of internal Lords byelections to replace hereditary peers. However, he is now accepting of the change and is preparing to move on to the next chapter of his life.
Legacy and Impact
Trefgarne’s legacy will be remembered for years to come. His dedication to public service, his expertise, and his experience have made him a valuable asset to the House of Lords. As the longest-serving member of the House of Lords, he has seen many changes and has played a significant role in shaping British politics. His opinions and reflections on current politicians will continue to be sought after, and his contributions to the House of Lords will be deeply missed. As Trefgarne prepares to leave the House of Lords, he can look back on a life of service with pride, knowing that he has made a significant impact on British politics.