Sir John Nott dead: Defence Secretary during Falklands War dies aged 92 as tributes pour in
SIR John Nott has died aged 92, his daughter has announced today.
The politician served as Margaret Thatcher’s defence secretary from 1979 to 1883 – including during the Falklands War.
Sasha Swire, his daughter, confirmed the news on X, writing: “RIP my beloved father, John Nott, protector, politician, farmer, me.”
She shared a photo of the pair together, along with a collection of snaps from his distinguished career as a politician.
Sir John was a distinguished member of Maggie’s cabinet during the war – despite attempting to resign twice during its early stages.
The headstrong prime minister refused these attempts and he instead went on to play a crucial role in the conflict.
He remained in his role until he was replaced by Michael Hesentine in January of the following year, having decided against standing for re-election.
Aside from the war, Sir John will also be remembered for a heated debate on TV with broadcaster Sir Robin Day in 1982 over defence spending.
Tributes have flooded in for the former MP today.
Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said: “John Nott was an inspiring defence secretary and politician who stood up, alongside Margaret Thatcher, to aggression.
“His resolute determination to free British sovereign territory from tyranny is as important today as it was during the Falklands conflict.
“My condolences go to his family and loved ones at this sad time.”
Prior to his career as a politician, Sir John served as a regular with the 2nd Gurkha Rifles as a lieutenant.
He went on to study law and economics at Cambridge, where he was also president of the Cambridge Union.
As well as daughter Sasha, John had two sons, composer Julian, who wrote the Peppa Pig theme music, and William, who worked in the oil industry.
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