Nicholas Scott, scandal-prone MP, dies at 71
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir Nicholas Scott, the former Conservative minister who enjoyed a political career as prolific as it was controversial, died yesterday. He was aged 71.
Sir Nicholas, who held a string of ministerial positions and the seat for Kensington and Chelsea, died at a London hospice following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's.
As minister for Northern Ireland and minister for the disabled, Sir Nicholas enjoyed a distinguished career in the upper echelons of the Tory Party.
However, as his career progressed, Sir Nicholas became increasingly implicated in scandal and controversy. On one occasion, the politician was found slumped in the street by police during the Tory Party conference in Bournemouth before he was escorted to his hotel.
On another occasion, Sir Nicholas admitted he misled MPs over wrecking tactics to kill the Disability Bill in 1994. His admission led to a public row with his daughter Victoria, a lobbyist for disabled rights.
The following year, he was involved in a car crash. There were claims that his car hit a Volvo causing a minor pile-up during which Thibault Perreard, a three-year-old Swiss, was trapped in his pushchair.
Scandal ensued when claims emerged that the politician had left passersby to free the toddler while his female companion was said to have declared: "The child's not dead and they're not even English."
Sir Nicholas, a Justice of the Peace who enjoyed cricket, tennis, golf and flying, was married to Cecilia Tapsell with whom he had a son and a daughter. A memorial service will be held in London next month.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments