James Ramsden (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Ramsden
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|---|---|
| Minister of State for the Army | |
| In office 1 April 1964 – 16 October 1964 |
|
| Prime Minister | Sir Alec Douglas-Home |
| Preceded by | Office created |
| Succeeded by | Fred Mulley |
| Secretary of State for War | |
| In office 21 October 1963 – 1 April 1964 |
|
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Sir Alec Douglas-Home |
| Preceded by | Joseph Godber |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| Member of Parliament for Harrogate |
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| In office 11 March 1954 – 8 February 1974 |
|
| Preceded by | Christopher York |
| Succeeded by | Robert Banks |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Edward Ramsden
1 November 1923 Liverpool, England |
| Died | 29 March 2020 (aged 96) Ripon, England |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse | Juliet Ponsonby |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1942–51 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Service number | 256071 |
| Unit | King's Royal Rifle Corps |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
James Edward Ramsden (born November 1, 1923 – died March 29, 2020) was an important British politician. He was a member of the Conservative Party. James Ramsden was the very last person to be the Secretary of State for War. This was a big job in the government.
Early Life and Military Service
James Ramsden was born in Liverpool, England, in 1923. His father was Captain Edward Ramsden. His mother was Geraldine. James had family members who were also involved in politics.
During the Second World War, James Ramsden served in the British Army. He was a Lieutenant in the King's Royal Rifle Corps. He served in the army from 1942 to 1951.
Political Career Highlights
James Ramsden became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Harrogate. He held this position for many years, from 1954 to 1974. An MP is someone elected to represent their local area in the UK Parliament.
He held several important jobs in the government. From 1960 to 1963, he worked as the Under-Secretary of State and Financial Secretary for War. This role was under Prime Minister Harold Macmillan.
Later, from 1963 to 1964, he became the Secretary of State for War. This was a very senior role. He worked under Prime Minister Sir Alec Douglas-Home. He was the last person to hold this specific job.
In April 1964, the government made some big changes. The old jobs of First Lord of the Admiralty and Secretary of State for Air were combined. James Ramsden's job, Secretary of State for War, was also included. All these roles became part of a new, larger department called the Ministry of Defence.
After these changes, James Ramsden was appointed Minister of State for the Army. He held this new role within the Ministry of Defence. He continued in this position until October 1964.
In 1963, James Ramsden became a member of the Privy Council. This is a group of senior advisors to the British monarch.
Family Life
James Ramsden was married to Juliet Ponsonby. Juliet was the daughter of another Conservative politician, Charles Ponsonby. They had children together. Their youngest child was an artist named Charlotte Cheverton. Sadly, Charlotte passed away in a car accident in 1991.
James Ramsden lived a long life. He died in March 2020 at the age of 96.
