Norman Fowler, Baron Fowler facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Honourable The Lord Fowler PC
Official portrait, 2018
Lord Speaker
In office 1 September 2016 – 30 April 2021
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Deputy	The Lord McFall of Alcluith
Preceded by	The Baroness D'Souza
Succeeded by	The Lord McFall of Alcluith
Shadow Home Secretary
In office 2 June 1998 – 14 June 1999
Leader	William Hague
Preceded by	Brian Mawhinney
Succeeded by	Ann Widdecombe
Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions
In office 11 June 1997 – 1 June 1998
Leader	William Hague
Preceded by	Sir George Young
Succeeded by	Gillian Shephard
Chairman of the Conservative Party
In office 11 May 1992 – 15 July 1994
Leader	John Major
Preceded by	Chris Patten
Succeeded by	Jeremy Hanley
Secretary of State for Employment
In office 13 June 1987 – 3 January 1990
Prime Minister	Margaret Thatcher
Preceded by	The Lord Young of Graffham
Succeeded by	Michael Howard
Secretary of State for Social Services
In office 14 September 1981 – 13 June 1987
Prime Minister	Margaret Thatcher
Preceded by	Patrick Jenkin
Succeeded by	John Moore
Secretary of State for Transport
In office 4 May 1979 – 14 September 1981
Prime Minister	Margaret Thatcher
Preceded by	Bill Rodgers
Succeeded by	David Howell
Shadow Minister of State for Transport
In office 15 January 1976 – 4 May 1979
Leader	Margaret Thatcher
Succeeded by	Bill Rodgers
Shadow Secretary of State for Social Services
In office 18 February 1975 – 15 January 1976
Leader	Margaret Thatcher
Succeeded by	Patrick Jenkin
Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal
Incumbent
Assumed office 4 July 2001 Life peerage
Member of Parliament for Sutton Coldfield
In office 28 February 1974 – 14 May 2001
Preceded by	Geoffrey Lloyd
Succeeded by	Andrew Mitchell
Member of Parliament for Nottingham South
In office 18 June 1970 – 8 February 1974
Preceded by	George Perry
Succeeded by	Constituency abolished
Personal details
Born	Peter Norman Fowler (1938-02-02) 2 February 1938 (age 87) Chelmsford, Essex, England
Political party	Crossbench
Other political affiliations	Conservative (until 2016) Speaker (2016–2021)
Spouse	Fiona Poole ​ (m. 1979)​
Children	2
Alma mater	Trinity Hall, Cambridge

Peter Norman Fowler, Baron Fowler (born 2 February 1938) is a British politician. He was an important member of the government cabinets led by Margaret Thatcher and John Major in the 1980s and 1990s. From 2016 to 2021, he held the special role of Lord Speaker.

Before becoming Lord Speaker, Norman Fowler was the Minister of Transport in 1979. In this role, he helped make seat belts a legal requirement for everyone. Later, as Secretary of State for Social Services, he worked to teach the public about important health issues. He left the government as Employment Secretary and was given the title of Sir in 1990.

He was also in charge of the Conservative Party from 1992 to 1994. Later, he was a "Shadow Minister," which means he was part of the main opposition party. In 2001, he became a life peer, which gave him a seat in the House of Lords. When he became Lord Speaker, he stopped being part of any political party to be fair to everyone. In 2021, he decided to step down from his role as Lord Speaker to focus on important campaigns, especially those related to public health.

Early Life and Education

Norman Fowler was born in Chelmsford, England. His parents were Norman Frederick Fowler and Katherine Baker. He went to King Edward VI Grammar School. After school, he did National Service as a second lieutenant in the Essex Regiment.

He then studied Economics and Law at Trinity Hall, Cambridge university. While there, he was the head of the university's Conservative group. He even welcomed the Prime Minister and Home Secretary to the university. After university, he became a journalist and worked for The Times newspaper.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

Norman Fowler always wanted to be a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is someone elected by people to represent them in the House of Commons, which is part of the UK Parliament.

First Elections as an MP

He was first elected as an MP for Nottingham South in 1970. When that area's boundaries changed, he was elected for Sutton Coldfield in 1974.

Working in Opposition

In the mid-1970s, when his party was not in power, Mr. Fowler was a "Shadow Minister" for Transport. This meant he was the main spokesperson for his party on transport issues. He would challenge the government's plans and suggest different ideas.

Serving in Government Roles

When Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister in 1979, Norman Fowler joined her government.

Making Seat Belts Compulsory

As Secretary of State for Transport, he helped pass a law in 1981 that made seat belts compulsory in cars. This law came into effect in 1983 and has saved many lives.

Public Health Campaigns

In 1986, as Secretary of State for Social Services, he led the first big public health campaign in the UK. This campaign aimed to inform people about important health risks and how to stay safe.

Secretary of State for Employment

In 1987, he became the Secretary of State for Employment. In this role, he was responsible for policies related to jobs and the workplace.

Leaving the Cabinet and Later Roles

In 1990, Norman Fowler decided to leave his government job. He said he wanted to spend more time with his family. After leaving, he was given the title of Sir.

He later returned to important political roles. From 1992 to 1994, he was the Chairman of the Conservative Party. This meant he was in charge of the party's organisation and strategy. He also served as a "Shadow Minister" again, dealing with environment, transport, and home affairs. In 2001, he stepped down as a Member of Parliament.

Joining the House of Lords

Fowler speaking from the Woolsack in 2021. His deputy and successor, Lord McFall of Alcluith, sits on the steps of the throne behind him.

After leaving the House of Commons, Norman Fowler became a member of the House of Lords. This is the second chamber of the UK Parliament. He was given the title Baron Fowler, which is a type of life peerage. This means he has a seat in the House of Lords for the rest of his life.

Campaigning for Health Awareness

In 2003, Lord Fowler suggested that the European Union should have a special person to help coordinate efforts against major health challenges. He continued his work on public health awareness. In 2021, he supported the idea of creating a national memorial to help fight unfair treatment towards people with certain health conditions.

Supporting Equal Rights

In 2013, Lord Fowler supported a law that allowed same-sex couples to marry. He believed that the law should treat all people equally.

Becoming Lord Speaker

In 2016, he was elected as the Lord Speaker. This is a very important role in the House of Lords. The Lord Speaker is like the referee of the House of Lords, making sure debates are fair and orderly. He was the third person and the first man to hold this position. He has also said he believes the House of Lords should have fewer members.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he worked from home for a while to stay safe. In 2021, he announced he would step down as Lord Speaker. He wanted to be able to speak freely on issues he cares about, such as LGBT rights in the United Kingdom and public health.

Work Outside Politics

Lord Fowler has also worked in the business world. He has been on the boards of several companies. He was also a non-executive chairman of Aggregate Industries plc, a large company. He is a member of the National Union of Journalists.

Family Life

Norman Fowler married Fiona Poole in 1979. She worked as a library clerk in the House of Commons. They have two daughters, and Norman also became a stepfather to Fiona's son from her previous marriage.

As of 2023, Lord Fowler lives in Fulham, London.

See also

In Spanish: Norman Fowler para niños