Tom Spencer (politician) explained

Tom Spencer
Party:Conservative
Office:Leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament
Term Start:16 June 1994
Term End:16 September 1997
Predecessor:Christopher Prout
Successor:Edward McMillan-Scott
Parliament1:European
Constituency Mp1:Surrey
Term Start1:9 June 1994
Term End1:10 June 1999
Predecessor1:Constituency created
Successor1:Andrew White
Parliament2:European
Constituency Mp2:Surrey West
Term Start2:15 June 1989
Term End2:9 June 1994
Predecessor2:Marquess of Douro
Successor2:Constituency abolished
Parliament3:European
Constituency Mp3:Derbyshire
Term Start3:10 June 1979
Term End3:14 June 1984
Predecessor3:Constituency created
Successor3:Geoff Hoon
Birth Date:10 April 1948
Nationality:British
Alma Mater:University of Southampton

Thomas Newnham Bayley Spencer (10 April 1948 – 4 May 2023) was a British Conservative politician and former Member of the European Parliament (MEP).

Life and career

Spencer was born on 10 April 1948. He was educated at Pangbourne Nautical College and the University of Southampton. As a student he was involved in the Federation of Conservative Students and the Young European Federalists.

Spencer served as Conservative MEP for Derbyshire from 1979 to 1984, Conservative MEP for Surrey West from 1989 to 1994, and as Conservative MEP for Surrey from 1994 to 1999.[1] He was leader of the UK Conservative MEPs from 1995 to 1998 and was Chairman of the Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee from 1997 to 1999.

Spencer decided not to stand for re-election to the European Parliament in 1999 after being found with gay pornography and two cannabis cigarettes in his luggage at Heathrow Airport.[2] Spencer acknowledged being gay and said that his wife was aware of that before they married.[2] Spencer was in a relationship with pornographic actor Cole Tucker, who was depicted in the pornography found in Spencer's luggage.

Spencer died from progressive supranuclear palsy on 4 May 2023, at the age of 75.[3] [4]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Dod's Parliamentary Companion . International Publications Service . 1997 .
  2. News: Drugs scandal MEP quits . BBC News . 31 January 1999 . 25 May 2010.
  3. News: Thomas (Tom) Spencer . 9 May 2023 . The Times . 9 May 2023.
  4. News: Tom Spencer obituary . 11 June 2023 . The Times . 9 June 2023.