Tom Spencer (politician)
Tom Spencer | |
---|---|
Member of the European Parliament for Surrey | |
In office 9 June 1994 – 10 June 1999 | |
Preceded by | Constituency created |
Succeeded by | Constituency abolished |
Member of the European Parliament for Surrey West | |
In office 15 June 1989 – 9 June 1994 | |
Preceded by | Charles Wellesley |
Succeeded by | Constituency abolished |
Member of the European Parliament for Derbyshire | |
In office 10 June 1979 – 14 June 1984 | |
Preceded by | Constituency created |
Succeeded by | Geoff Hoon |
Personal details | |
Born | 10 April 1948 |
Nationality | British |
Political party | Conservative |
Alma mater | University of Southampton |
Thomas Newnham Bayley Spencer (born 10 April 1948) is a British Conservative Party politician and former Member of the European Parliament (MEP).
Spencer was educated at Pangbourne Nautical College and the University of Southampton.
He served as Conservative MEP for Derbyshire from 1979–1984, Conservative MEP for Surrey West from 1989–1994, and as Conservative MEP for Surrey from 1994–1999.[1] He was leader of the UK Conservative MEPs from 1995 to 1998 and was Chairman of the Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee from 1997 to 1999.
He decided not to stand for re-election to the European Parliament in 1999 after being found with gay pornography and two cannabis cigarettes in his luggage at Heathrow Airport.[2] Spencer acknowledged being gay and said that his wife was aware of that before they married.[2] Spencer was in a relationship with pornographic actor Cole Tucker, who was depicted in the pornography found in Spencer's luggage.[3]
References
- ^ Dod's Parliamentary Companion. International Publications Service. 1997.
- ^ a b "Drugs scandal MEP quits". BBC News. 31 January 1999. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
- ^ Morgan, Gary (2 February 1999), "HIV shock for wife of drug bust Tory", Scottish Daily Record & Sunday, retrieved 9 February 2011