After Dinner Speakers: Tom King, The Animals, Barbara Bush

Lord Tom King, he prefers just Tom, was born in Glasgow and educated at Rugby and Cambridge. His move to politics came via Farming and business. His political career began in 1970 when he was appointed as the Parliamentary Private Secretary to Christopher Chattaway, but after Margaret Thatchers election victory in 1979 he came to her cabinet as the Local Government Minister. Promoted to secretary of state in transport, environment, Northern Ireland and Defence, Tom King became hugely important to both Thatcher and John Major. He was heavily involved in the early moves to end conflict in Northern Ireland. Tom King remains a sought after adviser to businesses and politicians due to his vast experience and skill in areas of conflict.