Benn, Tony (1925-2014), a Labour Party politician, served in the Parliament of the United Kingdom for almost 50 years. He supported liberal causes and was noted as an eloquent speaker.
Anthony Neil Wedgwood Benn was born in London on April 3, 1925, the son of Viscount Stansgate. He first entered Parliament in 1950. After his father died in 1960, Benn succeeded to the title and was forced by law to give up his seat in the House of Commons. His efforts to change the law and regain his seat led to the Peerage Act of 1963. Benn was the first peer under the act to give up his title, and he regained his seat in the House of Commons. From 1974 to 1975, he served as secretary of state for industry. From 1975 to 1979, he served as secretary of state for energy. Benn retired from Parliament in 2001. He died on March 14, 2014.
