Words: Gentleman's Journal
Nicholas Soames, grandson of Winston Churchill, is a British Conservative Party MP for the constituency of Mid Sussex and is a man who could be described as ‘somewhat of a maverick’ who truly speaks his mind! His outstanding sense of individuality and, lets say, ‘loose sense’ of political correctness has led to much controversy; however if you take it on the chin, as intended then Nicholas is the type of person one would truly wish to be seated next to at a dinner party – his anecdotes never fail to amuse.
Soames’s style is an extremely large part of his life and he is without fail impeccably dressed. He has said ‘I think it’s very important that you are properly turned out. One of the things I simply hate about the modern Tory is the tendency for open necked shirts. I give my friend Michael Portillo a very hard time about not wearing ties”. Soames takes style very seriously as was made evident a few years ago when he said to Tim Sainsbury (who had commented on a rather loud, garish tweed he was wearing): “I don’t think it the place of my grocer to comment on my dress.”!
Educated at Eton, Soames later served in the 11 Hussars in West Germany and Britain. He was then invited to serve as HRH Prince Charles’s equerry where he became a trusted adviser and confidant. Politics ran in his blood and so it came with little surprise when he was elected to Parliament in the 1983 General Election. He served as Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and was Minister of State for the Armed Forces under John Major.
His concern for the military is reflected in his role as chairman of Aegis, a leading private security and risk management firm that at last count had 38,000 employees world wide, operating out of locations such as Afghanistan and Iraq. He became a Privy Councillor in 2011.
Soames is an ardent country gentleman who has a passion for hunting, shooting and fishing – as shown in his politics and his subsequent vote against the hunting bill. Most recently he has voted in favour of the gay marriage bill, which one could ponder, is a progressive stance when considering only 127 conservative MPs were in favour and 136 were against. A quintessential English gentleman.
The Gentleman’s Journal: Why did you enter politics?
Nicholas Soames: I entered politics because I had grown up with it and felt that it was a profession in which I had an overwhelming interest.
GJ: You are known for saying what you really think, do you feel the politicians of today are less likely to truly speak their mind compared to when you first entered politics?
NS: Politicians are much more restrained today about what they say in general because of the astonishing behaviour of the Press; which jumps on the unusual, the eccentric and the original. Political correctness does not hinder the process but it makes life much more complicated and means people are less inclined to behave in a straight forward manner.
GJ: What is your favourite restaurant(s) in London?
NS: My favourite restaurant in London is Wiltons on Jermyn St. I have been eating at Wiltons for over 50 years. I also love The Delaunay and The Dining Room in The Goring Hotel.
GJ: You spent much of your childhood with your Grandfather (Churchill), what are your best memories of the great man?
NS: My memories of my grandfather are those essentially of grandfather and grandchild. He was generous, affectionate and loved the company of his grandchildren, in all their different ages. [As a five-year-old Nicholas said: ‘Grandpapa, is it true that you are the greatest man in the world?’ At which Churchill replied ‘Yes, now bugger off!’ Nicholas has said previously that ‘If my grandfather were alive today, he would know instinctively on Iraq that Britain’s right position is at America’s side.’]
GJ: You acted as Minister of State for the Armed Forces; you are a strong supporter of our troops, what is it for you that makes the Brits and its military so special?
NS: I was a soldier for five years and, later in my public life, Minister of State for the Armed Forces, so I have always loved and admired the British Armed Services. They represent some of the finest men and women in the land and they greatly add to Britain’s prestige and success abroad.
GJ: You have worked under 6 Conservative leaders over the years, who has been your favourite and who your most difficult?
NS: Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister when I first became a Member of Parliament in 1983 and I retain great admiration and respect for her. I am very fond of Sir John Major who was also, in my judgement, a very fine Prime Minister at a very difficult time. I have known David Cameron for many years and am an huge admirer of his courage and straightforwardness and I think he will prove in time to be an outstanding Prime Minister.
GJ: Of all your careers, (PA, Stockbroker, Insurance Broker, The Military, Equerry, Secretary of Agriculture, Minister of State, Minister of Defence, Shadow Secretary of State for Defence… the list goes on…!) which was your favourite and most fulfilling…
NS: I have been very fortunate in my life and worked in some fascinating jobs in interesting parts of our national life. I have worked for some really remarkable people to whom I have always been grateful for a very lucky chance to get on. I know how lucky I have been.
GJ: Your immaculate style is a big part of you and what you stand for… Double breasted or single? Tweed, pinstripe or plain?
NS: I wear double breasted suits, either dark blue, dark grey or tweed
GJ: Favourite tailor?
NS: My tailor is Couch and Hoskin in the City – wonderful people and every visit is a pleasure.
Words By Jessica littlewood
Photography by George Garnier
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