Stuart Wheeler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stuart Wheeler
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Wheeler in 2009
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| Born | 30 January 1935 London, England
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| Died | 23 July 2020 (aged 85) Chilham, Kent, England
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| Education | Eton College |
| Alma mater | Christ Church, Oxford |
| Occupation | Financier, political activist, barrister |
| Political party |
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| Spouse(s) |
Tessa Codrington
(m. 1963; died 2016) |
| Children | 3, including Jacquetta |
John Stuart Wheeler (born 30 January 1935 – died 23 July 2020) was a British businessman, gambler, and political activist. He made a lot of money by starting a company called IG Index in 1974. This company was a pioneer in a type of betting called spread betting. Wheeler was also very well known for his strong involvement in politics. He gave a lot of money to the Conservative Party and later became a leader in the UK Independence Party (UKIP).
Contents
Early Life and His Business
Stuart Wheeler was adopted just before his second birthday. His new parents were Alexander and Betty Wheeler. He grew up in a place called Manaton in Devon, England.
He went to famous schools like Eton College. After school, he did his National Service with the Welsh Guards. This was a time when young people had to serve in the military. Later, he studied law at Christ Church, Oxford University.
Wheeler first worked as a barrister, which is a type of lawyer. Then he became an investment banker. But his biggest success came from starting IG Index. This company created a new way of betting called spread betting. It allowed people to bet on how prices of things would change, like the price of gold. This was especially useful when it was hard to buy gold directly in Britain.
Politics and His Views
Helping the Conservative Party
Even though Stuart Wheeler was a very successful businessman, most people didn't know him until 2001. That year, he gave £5 million to the Conservative Party for their election campaign. This was the largest single donation ever given to a political party in the United Kingdom.
In 2008, Wheeler took legal action against the government. He wanted to stop them from approving the Treaty of Lisbon. He argued that the government had promised to hold a public vote on a similar European treaty in 2005. He believed they should keep that promise. However, his legal challenge was not successful.
Wheeler was known for his right-wing political views within the Conservative Party. He supported different leaders who shared his ideas. He was not happy with the leadership of David Cameron when he became leader.
In 2009, Wheeler gave £100,000 to the UK Independence Party (UKIP). He did this because he disagreed with David Cameron's views on the European Union. The next day, he was removed from the Conservative Party.
Starting the Trust Party
In 2010, Stuart Wheeler announced he was starting a new political party. It was called the Trust Party. He even ran for a seat in Parliament in Bexhill and Battle. He didn't win, but his new party also had another candidate in a different area.
Working with UKIP
In 2011, Wheeler became the treasurer of UKIP. His job was to help the party raise money, especially for the 2014 European elections. Because he had many important contacts, his appointment was seen as a big help for UKIP. The party leader, Nigel Farage, said Wheeler would help them "raise serious money."
Supporting Brexit
In 2015, Wheeler became one of the main donors and leaders for the Vote Leave campaign. This campaign was working for Britain to leave the European Union, which is known as Brexit. He was one of three people who were joint treasurers for the campaign.
Personal Life
Stuart Wheeler was known as a very keen gambler. He loved card games and games of risk. He played bridge with famous people like Lord Lucan and Omar Sharif. He also often took part in World Series of Poker championships.
His wife, Tessa Codrington, was a photographer. She passed away in 2016. They had three daughters, including the model Jacquetta Wheeler.
In June 2020, Stuart Wheeler shared that he had stomach cancer. He passed away a month later, on 23 July 2020, at the age of 85. He died at his home, Chilham Castle in Kent.
See also
In Spanish: Stuart Wheeler para niños
