Julian Critchley facts for kids

Sir Julian Michael Gordon Critchley (born 8 December 1930 – died 9 September 2000) was a British journalist, author, and politician. He was a member of the Conservative Party. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for two different areas. First, he represented Rochester and Chatham from 1959 to 1964. Later, he represented Aldershot from 1970 to 1997.

Early Life and Education

Julian Critchley was born in Islington, London. His father, Macdonald Critchley, was a famous doctor who studied the brain and nerves. Julian grew up in Swiss Cottage, North London, and also in Shropshire. He went to Brockhurst School and then Shrewsbury School.

After school, he spent a year studying in Paris at the Sorbonne. In 1951, he went to Pembroke College, Oxford. There, he studied Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. While at Oxford, he was part of a group of students who tried to convince workers at a shipyard not to support the government taking over their company.

Political Career

Julian Critchley was a Conservative MP. He first served for Rochester and Chatham from 1959 to 1964. After losing that seat in 1964, he worked as a journalist, even writing about TV for The Times newspaper.

He returned to Parliament in 1970, representing Aldershot. He held this seat until he retired in 1997. Even while an MP, he continued to write for newspapers and publish books.

Critchley was known for having different views from some other members of his party. He often disagreed with the leader, Margaret Thatcher. For example, he wrote an article without his name on it, criticizing her ideas. He later had to admit he wrote it.

Despite their disagreements, Critchley supported Thatcher during the Falklands War. He was also a long-time friend of Michael Heseltine, another politician. They had known each other since they were young boys at school. Critchley supported Heseltine when he tried to become the leader of the Conservative Party in 1990.

In his later years, Julian Critchley had trouble moving around. This was due to health problems from polio, an illness he had when he was young. Even so, he won his election in 1992. He was given the title of Sir in 1995.

Later Life and Writings

After retiring from Parliament in 1997, Julian Critchley joined a different political group called the Pro-Euro Conservative Party. This party supported closer ties with Europe. Because of this, he was no longer part of the main Conservative Party.

He passed away the next year in Hereford at the age of 69. He was married twice and had four children. He was buried in a churchyard near Craven Arms.

Julian Critchley was well-known for his clever and sharp political writing. His book of memories, A Bag of Boiled Sweets, was praised as very entertaining. He also wrote two mystery novels set in Parliament. These books featured an MP who solved crimes, a character that seemed to be based on Critchley himself.