Sir John Nott dead: Defence Secretary during Falklands War dies aged 92 as tributes pour in
SIR John Nott has died aged 92, his daughter has announced today.
The politician served as Margaret Thatcher's defence secretary from 1981 to 1983 - including during the Falklands War.
Sasha Swire, his daughter, confirmed the news of his death on X, writing: "RIP my beloved father, John Nott, protector, politician, farmer, me."
She went on to share a photo of the pair together, along with a collection of snaps from his distinguished career as a politician.
Sir John was a valued member of Maggie's cabinet during the war - despite attempting to resign twice during its early stages.
The headstrong prime minister refused these attempts and he instead went on to play a crucial role in the conflict.
Read more news
He remained in his role until he was replaced by Michael Hesentine in January of the following year, having decided against standing for re-election.
Aside from the war, Sir John will also be remembered for a heated debate on TV with broadcaster Sir Robin Day in 1982 over defence spending.
Tributes have flooded in for the former MP today, including from shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel.
She said: "John Nott was an inspiring defence secretary and politician who stood up, alongside Margaret Thatcher, to aggression.
Most read in The Sun
"His resolute determination to free British sovereign territory from tyranny is as important today as it was during the Falklands conflict.
"My condolences go to his family and loved ones at this sad time."
Sir John attended boarding school Bradfield College, Berkshire, before joining the military as a lieutenant with the 2nd Gurkha Rifles for four years.
He went on to study law and economics at Cambridge, where he began his political training as president of the Cambridge Union.
He was elected to Parliament as Tory MP for St Ives in 1966, later joining Margaret's renowned team as a trade secretary - and finally as a Secretary of State for Defence from 1981.
As well as daughter Sasha, John had two sons, composer Julian, who wrote the Peppa Pig theme music, and William, who worked in the oil industry.
