Nigella Lawson breaks her silence after dad Nigel’s death aged 91

The heartbroken chef is grateful for the support following the death of her politician father.

TV chef Nigella Lawson has thanked fans for their kind messages following her dad’s death. Former UK Chancellor Lord Nigel Lawson died on Monday aged 91.

Taking to Twitter, Nigella, 63, said: “Thank you for all your kind messages. And I’ll be back on here properly tomorrow.”

Lord Lawson – Chancellor from 1983 to 1989 – was also the father of journalist Dominic and had four other kids.

He served as MP for Blaby between 1974 and 1992 – and backed Brexit.

Nigella Lawson’s dad was Nigel Lawson, who was a prominent politician in the UK. Picture: PA/Alamy

Thank you for all your kind messages. And I’ll be back on here properly tomorrow

— Nigella Lawson (@Nigella_Lawson) April 4, 2023

Following his death, politician Rishi Sunak led tributes to the man he said was one of his political inspirations.

The UK Prime Minister tweeted: “One of the first things I did as Chancellor was hang a picture of Nigel Lawson above my desk. He was a transformational Chancellor and an inspiration to me and many others. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

One of the first things I did as Chancellor was hang a picture of Nigel Lawson above my desk.

He was a transformational Chancellor and an inspiration to me and many others.

My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/SPwcnoUFnQ

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) April 3, 2023

Boris Johnson also paid tribute to Margaret Thatcher’s right-hand man, who only retired from politics earlier this year after 50 years serving the nation.

The former PM praised the ex-MP and peer as a “fearless tax cutter” and “prophet of Brexit”.

Boris Johnson said of the “giant” of British politics: “Nigel Lawson was a fearless and original flame of free market Conservatism.

Nigel Lawson served as a Minister in the UK between 1974 and 1992 and was a firm supporter of Brexit. Picture: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Nigella Lawson career has led her all around the world, including Australia for a short stint on MasterChef. Picture: Martin Philbey/Ten Network

“He was a tax-cutter and simplifier who helped transform the economic landscape and helped millions of British people achieve their dreams.

“He was a prophet of Brexit and a lover of continental Europe. He was a giant. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Nigel Lawson was a fearless and original flame of free market Conservatism. He was a tax-cutter and simplifier who helped transform the economic landscape and helped millions of British people achieve their dreams.

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 3, 2023

He was a prophet of Brexit and a lover of continental Europe. He was a giant. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 3, 2023

Lord Lawson dramatically quit the Cabinet in 1989 following furious rows over Europe.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverley also paid tribute to “a true statesman” whose “contributions to this nation will not be forgotten”.

While Tory Chairman Greg Hands said the 91-year-old will be remembered for his “clarity of thinking” and “willingness to challenge orthodoxies”.

Born in Hampstead, North London, on March 11, 1932, Lawson completed National Service in the Royal navy before becoming a journalist at the Financial Times in 1956.

He stood unsuccessfully at the 1970 general election for the Eton and Slough seat, before becoming MP for Baby.

This story was originally published in The Sun and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as Nigella Lawson breaks her silence after dad Nigel’s death aged 91