Nicholas Soames

Nicholas Soames – Life, Career, and Notable Quotes

Explore the life and political career of Nicholas Soames, British Conservative politician, grandson of Winston Churchill. Discover his early life, government roles, controversies, and memorable statements.

Introduction

Arthur Nicholas Winston Soames (born February 12, 1948) is a British Conservative politician who served in the Parliament of the United Kingdom for over three decades and later became a life peer.

He comes from a prominent family—he is a grandson of Prime Minister Winston Churchill—and he has maintained strong involvement in defense, rural affairs, and national security issues.

In this article, we’ll recount his upbringing, military service, political career (including ministerial and parliamentary roles), controversies, and some of his notable quotes.

Early Life, Family & Education

Family Background

Nicholas Soames was born on 12 February 1948, in Croydon, Surrey, England.

He is the son of Christopher Soames (later Baron Soames) and Mary Spencer-Churchill (later Lady Soames), making him the grandson of Winston Churchill.

He has siblings including Rupert Soames, a businessman, and Emma Soames, a journalist.

Education & Military Service

Soames was educated at St. Aubyn’s Preparatory School in Sussex, then attended Eton College.

He later trained at the Mons Officer Cadet School and was commissioned into the 11th Hussars in 1967 on a Short Service Commission.

Soames served with the 11th Hussars and later with the Royal Hussars, stationed in the UK and West Germany, until 1975, when he resigned his commission.

Between 1970 and 1972, he also served as Equerry to the Prince of Wales (Charles).

Early Career & Entry into Politics

After leaving active military service, Soames moved into business and civic roles. In the early 1970s, he worked as a stockbroker and later as a personal assistant to figures such as Sir James Goldsmith and U.S. Senator Mark Hatfield.

He contested a seat in Central Dunbartonshire in 1979 but was defeated.

In 1983, he was elected to the House of Commons as the MP for Crawley.

Parliamentary & Ministerial Career

Parliament & Constituencies

• 1983–1997: MP for Crawley.

• 1997–2019: MP for Mid Sussex.

Soames remained in Parliament until he chose not to stand for re-election in 2019.

Government & Shadow Appointments

• Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food (1992–1994) under John Major.

• Minister of State for the Armed Forces (1994–1997) under Prime Minister John Major.

• Shadow Secretary of State for Defence (2003–2005).

His parliamentary interests included national defense, international relations, rural and agricultural affairs, and industry.

He also held roles in the Conservative Middle East Council and acted as President of that council.

Whip Removal, Brexit & Later Developments

In September 2019, Soames lost the Conservative whip (i.e. was expelled from the party’s parliamentary group) after voting against the government’s Brexit timetable plan.

Later, in October 2019, the whip was restored, but by then he had announced he would not contest the next election.

He has also been critical on matters such as UK arms sales to Israel, calling for a pause in such exports in light of civilian casualties.

In October 2022, as part of the 2022 Political Honours, Soames was appointed a Life Peer, taking the title Baron Soames of Fletching and entering the House of Lords.

He was also knighted for political service and sworn of the Privy Council in 2011.

Controversies and Criticism

Like many long-serving politicians, Soames has been involved in controversies:

• Sexism & Harassment Allegations: Over the years, Soames has been cited as making vulgar or sexist remarks in Parliament. For example, in 2017, he made “woofing” noises toward MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, for which he apologized, claiming it was a “canine salute.” The House Speaker called the conduct “discourteous.”

• Meeting with Robert Mugabe: In 2017, Soames faced criticism for a private meeting with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, which was reported publicly. Some accused him of attempting to normalize relations with a controversial leader.

• Aegis Defence Services: Soames served as chairman of Aegis Defence Services, a private security contractor which had contracts for base security in Iraq and other locations. Allegations emerged about employment practices and the use of personnel from Africa, some linked to former child soldiers.

• Tax Relief on Furniture Claims: He once claimed inheritance tax relief on furniture (a mahogany buffet) by declaring it open for public viewing, yet made no arrangements for actual public access. Activist Mark Thomas exposed this, leading to public scrutiny.

• Driving Offences: Soames has been penalized for traffic offenses, including driving without insurance on a quad bike and speeding.

Personality, Style & Impact

• Soames is known for his forthrightness and occasionally blunt rhetoric, especially on defense and national security.

• He has retained a strong connection to his Churchillian legacy, often invoking public service and national leadership themes.

• His long tenure in Parliament and ministerial roles gave him influence in defense and rural policy domains.

• As a peer, he continues to contribute to discussions in the House of Lords, especially in foreign affairs, defense, and Middle Eastern issues.

Notable Quotes

Here are some quotes attributed to Nicholas Soames that reflect his views and character:

“Our freedom, our prosperity and our security depend on a proper respect for the fortune of our neighbours, allies and old friends.” “My family have a long story of service to our country.” “To work for the good of our country is not a shallow thing.” “To engage all sides of Parliament in a common national cause is not unpatriotic.” “It is often quite impossible to gauge the mood of the Chamber in advance … the House … can be a formidable arena.” “As Churchill’s grandson, I am in daily receipt of vile correspondence from people telling me that I am a traitor to his memory.”

These statements underline his commitment to public service, his awareness of legacy, and his perspective on parliamentary culture.

Lessons & Takeaways

• Heritage carries burden and opportunity. Being the grandson of Winston Churchill opened doors—and placed expectations—on Soames’ life and career.

• Longevity in politics demands both consistency and adaptability. Soames navigated shifts in Conservative politics during his long parliamentary career.

• Public scrutiny is inevitable. Controversies over remarks, financial claims, and private ventures accompany long political careers.

• Transition matters. His move from the Commons to the Lords demonstrates a continued pathway for political influence even after leaving elected office.

Conclusion

Nicholas Soames is a figure whose life bridges aristocratic lineage and practical politics. Born in 1948, educated at elite institutions, and serving in the military, he entered Parliament in 1983 and played roles in agriculture, defense, and national security. His career was marked by both achievements and controversies, and in 2022 he transitioned into the House of Lords as Baron Soames of Fletching.

His story is a reminder that political careers are seldom smooth journeys—shaped by convictions, legacy, conflicts, and public scrutiny. Would you like me to produce a detailed timeline of his career or analyze one controversy more deeply?