John Freeman (British politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Freeman
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| British Ambassador to the United States | |
| In office 1969–1971 |
|
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Harold Wilson Edward Heath |
| Preceded by | Sir Patrick Dean |
| Succeeded by | Rowland Baring |
| High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to India | |
| In office 1965–1968 |
|
| Preceded by | Sir Paul Gore-Booth |
| Succeeded by | Sir Morrice James |
| Member of Parliament for Watford | |
| In office 5 July 1945 – 6 May 1955 |
|
| Preceded by | William Helmore |
| Succeeded by | Frederick Farey-Jones |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 February 1915 London, England |
| Died | 20 December 2014 (aged 99) |
| Spouses |
Elizabeth Allen Johnston
(m. 1938; div. 1948)Margaret Ista Mabel Kerr
(m. 1948; died 1957)Catherine Dove
(m. 1962; div. 1976)Judith Mitchell
(m. 1976) |
| Children | Six |
| Education | Westminster School |
| Alma mater | Brasenose College, Oxford |
| Occupation |
|
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Branch/service |  British Army |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | Coldstream Guards, Rifle Brigade, 7th Armoured Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
John Horace Freeman (born February 19, 1915 – died December 20, 2014) was a well-known British politician, diplomat, and broadcaster. He also served as an officer in the British Army. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Watford from 1945 to 1955, representing the Labour Party.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Freeman was born in London on February 19, 1915. His father was a barrister, which is a type of lawyer. The family later moved to Brondesbury.
He became interested in politics at a young age. While studying at Westminster School in the early 1930s, he joined the Labour Party. He then went on to get his degree from Brasenose College, Oxford. Before starting his public career, he worked for an advertising company called Ashley Courtenay.
Career Highlights
Military Service in World War II
During World War II, John Freeman was an active soldier. He fought in several important areas, including the Middle East, North Africa, Italy, and North West Europe.
He first joined the Coldstream Guards. In 1940, he became an officer in the Rifle Brigade. He also served with Britain's famous 7th Armoured Division, known as the "Desert Rats". His bravery and skill were recognized when he was awarded the MBE in 1943.
Political Journey
After the war, Freeman returned to Britain. He was chosen to represent the Labour Party in Watford. In the 1945 election, he was elected as a Member of Parliament.
In 1947, he was given an important role as Vice-President of the Army Council. This group helped manage the British Army.
He quickly moved up in government roles. However, in 1951, he resigned from his position. This was because he disagreed with new charges being introduced for the National Health Service. He decided not to run for MP again in the 1955 general election.
Life in Journalism and Diplomacy
After leaving politics, John Freeman became a well-known figure in television and journalism. He was a presenter for the popular TV show Panorama. He also hosted Face to Face, where he interviewed many famous people. From 1961 to 1965, he was the editor of the New Statesman magazine.
Later, when Harold Wilson was the Prime Minister, Freeman took on important diplomatic roles. From 1965 to 1968, he served as the High Commissioner to India. This meant he was Britain's top representative in India.
In 1966, he became a member of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom. This is a group of senior advisors to the British monarch. From 1969 to 1971, he was the Ambassador to the United States. During his time in Washington, D.C., he became good friends with President Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger. He also became a big fan of the Washington Redskins American football team.
After his diplomatic work, Freeman became the Chairman of London Weekend Television Ltd in 1971. He held this role until he retired in 1984. He also served as President of ITN from 1976 to 1981.
From 1985 to 1990, he taught International Relations at the University of California, Davis. In 1968, he was made an honorary fellow of Brasenose College, where he had studied.
Later Years
In his later life, John Freeman continued to be involved in broadcasting. He even commentated on the sport of bowls for Granada Television.
He lived in Barnes, London, and in 2012, he moved to a military care home.
John Freeman was a very long-lived politician. When Morgan Morgan-Giles passed away in 2013, Freeman became the oldest living former MP. He was also the last surviving MP who was first elected in 1945. After Tony Benn died in 2014, Freeman was the last surviving MP from the 1950 parliament and the last MP who served under King George VI.
John Freeman passed away on December 20, 2014, at the age of 99. He would have turned 100 less than two months later.
See also
In Spanish: John Freeman (político británico) para niños
