Malcolm Mitchell-Thomson, 3rd Baron Selsdon
Malcolm McEacharn Mitchell-Thomson, 3rd Baron Selsdon | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | September 15, 2024 (aged 86) |
| Occupation(s) | Nobleman, financier, entrepreneur, politician |
| Years active | 1959–2021 |
| Known for | Member of the House of Lords (1963–2021), financier |
Malcolm McEacharn Mitchell-Thomson, 3rd Baron Selsdon (27 October 1937 – 15 September 2024) was a distinguished British nobleman, financier, and entrepreneur. He held a seat in the House of Lords from 1963 until 2021, remaining one of the 90 hereditary peers permitted to stay following the House of Lords Act 1999.
Background
Born to Patrick William Malcolm Mitchell-Thomson, 2nd Baron Selsdon (1913−1963) and Phoebette Swithinbank (d. 1991), Selsdon received his education at Winchester College. Between 1956 and 1958, he served in the Royal Navy, attaining the rank of sub-lieutenant within the Royal Naval Reserve.
He entered into marriage twice: initially in 1965 with Patricia Anne Smith (deceased 2018), and subsequently in 1995 with Gabrielle Williams. His only son is Callum Malcolm McEacharn Mitchell-Thomson, the 4th Baron Selsdon (born 1969).
Lord Selsdon passed away on 15 September 2024 at the age of 86.
At age 25, he inherited the title of Baron Selsdon from his father and officially took his seat in the House of Lords on 30 July 1963. His inaugural speech occurred on 9 December 1970 during a discussion concerning Pollution and Protection of the Environment. He contributed again on 19 January 1971 addressing EEC: British entry negotiations. On 2 November 1971, he supported the Address in Reply to Her Majesty's Most Gracious Speech presented by Lady Macleod of Borve, an opportunity facilitated by his association with fellow Wykehamist and EEC proponent Lord Jellicoe, then Leader of the House of Lords.
Between 1972 and 1978, Selsdon acted as a delegate to the Council of Europe. He chaired the Committee for Middle East Trade from 1979 to 1986 and participated as a member of both the British Overseas Trade Board and the Eastern European Trade Council.
Remaining among the select group of hereditary peers elected to continue after the House of Lords Act 1999, he aligned with the Conservative faction. His tenure concluded on 11 May 2021 due to non-attendance, marking a distinguished parliamentary career spanning 58 years—the second longest after Lord Trefgarne.
Business career
Selsdon’s professional journey included roles at UAM Group from 1959 to 1963, followed by London Press Exchange Group between 1964 and 1972, and Singer & Friedlander from 1972 to 1976. He served as director of international banking and advisor on public finance at Midland Bank Group from 1976 until 1990. Simultaneously, he held positions with Merloni Group (1978–1998), Raab Karcher (1994–1998), and MJ Gleeson Group (after 1996). From 1992 to 1998, he was president of the British Exporters' Association.
Other interests
An avid sports enthusiast, Lord Selsdon participated in rackets, squash, tennis, skiing, and sailing. He led the Greater London and South East Regional Council for Sport and Recreation as chairman between 1977 and 1983. In addition, he was appointed president of the Anglo-Swiss Society in 2001 and took on roles as honorary treasurer and secretary of the House of Lords Yacht Club in 2004.