Edward Gardner (British politician)
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (January 2012) |
Edward Gardner QC MP | |
---|---|
Member of Parliament for Fylde Fylde South (1970–1983) | |
In office 18 June 1970 – 18 May 1987 | |
Preceded by | Claude Lancaster |
Succeeded by | Michael Jack |
Member of Parliament for Billericay | |
In office 8 October 1959 – 10 March 1966 | |
Preceded by | Richard Body |
Succeeded by | Eric Moonman |
Personal details | |
Born | Preston, Lancashire, England | 10 May 1912
Died | 2 August 2001 Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, England | (aged 89)
Political party | Conservative |
Sir Edward Lucas Gardner,
Life and family
Gardner was born in Preston, Lancashire on 10 May 1912 and was educated at Hutton Grammar School. After leaving education he initially worked as a journalist.
Gardner married Nina Collins in 1950 (having one son, one daughter) but was divorced in 1962. Then in 1963, he married Joan Belcher (also having one son, one daughter); this second marriage lasting until Joan's death in 1999. Gardner died in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire on 2 August 2001 aged 89.
Military career
Gardner served in the
Legal career
Gardner became a barrister, called to the bar by
He was a leading member of the Society of Conservative Lawyers, chairman of its executive committee from 1969 to 1975, and Chairman, 1975–85. Under his guidance, the society produced a steady flow of influential pamphlets on suggested changes to the criminal law. He chaired the committees that produced Rough Justice, a statement on the future of the law, in 1968, Crisis in Crime and Punishment (1971) and The Proper Use of Prisons (1978).
Political career
Gardner contested Erith and Crayford in 1955. He was Member of Parliament for Billericay from 1959 until he lost in 1966 by 1,642 votes (despite polling more than 38,000 votes). He returned as MP for Fylde South 1970-83 then for Fylde 1983 to 1987 when he retired.
In 1987 Gardner made the first attempt to incorporate the
Gardner's major contribution to the law was the British Nationality Act 1981. Whilst in opposition in 1977, the Conservative Party asked Gardner to chair a study group to provide advice on changes to the nationality laws. The resultant Green paper, "Who Do We Think We Are?", was published in 1980 and its threefold definition of nationality formed the basis for the Government's legislation.
Achievements
Called to the Bar, Gray's Inn in 1947; MP (Conservative) for Billericay 1959–66, for South Fylde 1970–83, for Fylde 1983–87; became a QC 1960;
References
- ^ Roth, Andrew (31 August 2001). "Obituary: Sir Edward Gardner". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 February 2014.
- ^ "The future of Britain desolate on EEC split". Lancashire Evening Post. 10 October 2020.
Sources
- The Times Guide to the House of Commons, Times Newspapers Ltd, 1955, 1966 & 1983
- Leigh Rayment's Historical List of MPs
- Full Biography