Roy Jenkins

Date of Birth: November 11, 1920

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: January 5, 2003

Biography

Roy Harris Jenkins, Baron Jenkins of Hillhead, OM, PC, was a prominent British politician and author. Born on November 11, 1920, in Abersychan, South Wales, Jenkins played a significant role in shaping British politics during the latter half of the 20th century. He was educated at Abersychan County Grammar School, University College, Cardiff, and Balliol College, Oxford. Jenkins became involved in politics during his university years, where he was an active member of the Oxford Union. Jenkins’ political career began in earnest when he was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Southwark Central in 1948. He served in various significant roles, including Home Secretary (1965-1967, 1974-1976) and Chancellor of the Exchequer (1967-1970). Jenkins was instrumental in several key legislative reforms, such as the decriminalisation of homosexuality, the abolition of theatre censorship, and the introduction of the Race Relations Act. In 1981, Jenkins co-founded the Social Democratic Party (SDP), a centrist political party that aimed to break the dominance of the Labour and Conservative parties. He served as the first leader of the SDP and later played a crucial role in its merger with the Liberal Party to form the Liberal Democrats. Jenkins was also a respected author and historian, known for his biographies of notable figures like Winston Churchill and William Gladstone. Jenkins was elevated to the peerage in 1987 as Baron Jenkins of Hillhead, serving as the leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords until 1997. He passed away on January 5, 2003, leaving behind a legacy of significant political and social reforms.

5 Interesting Facts about Roy Jenkins

1. Roy Jenkins was the first British Home Secretary to decriminalize homosexuality with the Sexual Offences Act 1967.

2. He was a prolific author and wrote over 20 books, including a well-regarded biography of Winston Churchill.

3. Jenkins was awarded the Order of Merit in 1993, one of the highest honors in the UK.

4. He co-founded the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1981, which later merged with the Liberal Party to form the Liberal Democrats.

5. Jenkins served as the Chancellor of Oxford University from 1987 until his death in 2003.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Roy Jenkins

1. “The permissive society has been allowed to become a dirty phrase. A better phrase is the civilised society.”

2. “The Labour Party has never been a socialist party, although at times it has had to rely on socialist votes.”

3. “A social democrat is in favor of policies which promote social justice within a capitalist economy.”

4. “I am not a man of the left. I am a liberal, I am a social democrat.”

5. “More than ever, we need to defend the values of the Enlightenment – reason, science, and humanism – against the forces of obscurantism and reaction.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Roy Jenkins’ net worth was estimated to be around £1 million, primarily from his earnings as a politician and author.

Children

Roy Jenkins had three children with his wife, Jennifer Morris: Charles Jenkins, a journalist; Catherine Jenkins, a historian; and Edward Jenkins, a businessman.