Marcus Kimball facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Kimball
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| Member of Parliament for Gainsborough |
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| In office 15 February 1956 – 13 May 1983 |
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| Preceded by | Harry Crookshank |
| Succeeded by | Edward Leigh |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Marcus Richard Kimball
18 October 1928 Marylebone, London, England |
| Died | 26 March 2014 (aged 85) |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Parent | Lawrence Kimball (father) |
| Education | Eton College |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Cambridge |
Marcus Richard Kimball, Baron Kimball (born October 18, 1928 – died March 26, 2014) was an important British politician. He was a member of the Conservative Party and served in the UK Parliament for many years.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Marcus Kimball was born in Marylebone, a part of London, England. His father was Major Lawrence Kimball. Marcus went to two famous schools: Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge. After his education, he worked as a farmer. He also became an underwriter for Lloyd's of London, which is a big insurance market.
Local Government and Military Service
Beyond his farming and insurance work, Marcus Kimball was active in his local community. He served as a councillor on the Rutland County Council. This meant he helped make decisions for the local area. He also commanded a squadron in the Leicestershire Yeomanry, which was a part of the British Army.
Political Career Highlights
Marcus Kimball first tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1955 for the Derby South area.
Serving as an MP
He became an MP for Gainsborough in 1956 after a special election called a by-election. He held this job until 1983. As an MP, he represented the people of Gainsborough in the UK Parliament.
Views on the Falklands War
During his time as an MP, a conflict called the Falklands War happened in 1982. Marcus Kimball wrote a letter to the Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. In his letter, he suggested that the British government should let Argentina have the Falkland Islands with as little trouble as possible. This letter was kept secret for a long time and was only made public in 2013.
Connecting with Voters
Marcus Kimball had a unique way of dealing with the people he represented, known as his constituents. He advised new MPs not to promise to hold "surgeries." Surgeries are regular meetings where MPs listen to their constituents' problems. He also suggested not living in the area they represented unless there was a good local fox hunt.
Views on Women's Taxation
In 1978, Marcus Kimball spoke out against a plan for women to pay taxes separately from their husbands. He believed that women would simply give the tax bill to their husbands anyway.
Later Political Recognition
In 1981, Marcus Kimball was given the title of Knight. This is an honour given by the Queen. A few years later, on May 9, 1985, he was given a special title called a life peerage. This meant he became Baron Kimball and could sit in the House of Lords, which is another part of the UK Parliament. His title was "Baron Kimball, of Easton in the County of Leicestershire."
Interests and Activities
Marcus Kimball had many interests outside of politics. He was particularly passionate about country sports.
Passion for Hunting
He was a very keen huntsman. He was a "joint master" of the Fitzwilliam Hunt in 1952 and 1953. He also held the same role for the Cottesmore Hunt from 1953 to 1958. He was the chairman of the British Field Sports Society for many years, from 1966 to 1982. Later, he became its President from 1996 to 1998. When this group changed its name to the Countryside Alliance in 1998, he became its vice-president.
Unexpected Donation
Interestingly, Marcus Kimball once indirectly gave money to a group that was against field sports. This happened after a court ruled that he had unfairly dismissed his housekeeper. She then donated part of the money she received as compensation to the anti-field sports organisation.
Other Notable Roles
Marcus Kimball also held important positions in other areas. In 1993, he became the Chairman of the British Greyhound Racing Trust, which looks after greyhound racing. He held this role until 1996. He was also involved in show jumping and organisations that breed light horses. Additionally, he held senior positions at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, which is a professional body for vets.
Later Life and Passing
Marcus Kimball passed away on March 26, 2014, at the age of 85.
Arms
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