Edward du Cann
A master political operator who shaped the internal dynamics of the Conservative Party for over a decade as a powerful committee chairman.
1924–2017 (age 93)·British politician and businessman·Birthday: May 28·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Edward du Cann was a figure who understood power from both the boardroom and the backbenches. Elected to Parliament in 1956, his political ascent was swift, leading to his appointment as Chairman of the Conservative Party in the mid-1960s. His true legacy, however, was forged in the corridors of Westminster rather than the public eye. As the long-serving chairman of the influential 1922 Committee of backbench Tory MPs from 1972 to 1984, he became the crucial conduit between the party's rank-and-file and its leaders, including Edward Heath and Margaret Thatcher. His tenure spanned periods of profound internal party strife, and his steady, often formidable, hand helped manage leadership challenges and policy rebellions. Beyond politics, he was a shrewd City businessman, founding the investment company Keyser Ullmann, which brought a financial acumen to his political dealings that was both respected and, at times, viewed with suspicion.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Edward was born in 1924, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Edward Was Born
The biggest hits of 1924
#1 Movie
The Sea Hawk
Edward's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1924Born
First Winter Olympics held in Chamonix, France
President: Calvin Coolidge"It Had to Be You" — Isham Jones
1929Started school
Wall Street crashes, triggering the Great Depression
Gas: $0.21/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Singin' in the Rain" — Cliff EdwardsBest Picture: The Broadway Melody
1937Became a teenager
Hindenburg disaster; Golden Gate Bridge opens
Gas: $0.20/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"A-Tisket, A-Tasket" — Ella FitzgeraldBest Picture: The Life of Emile Zola
1940Could drive
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1942Could vote
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1945Turned 21
WWII ends; atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $4,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Sentimental Journey" — Les Brown & Doris DayBest Picture: The Lost Weekend
1954Turned 30
Brown v. Board of Education desegregates US schools
Gas: $0.29/galHome: $8,925Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Little Things Mean a Lot" — Kitty KallenBest Picture: On the Waterfront
1964Turned 40
Civil Rights Act signed; Beatles arrive in America
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $13,450Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"I Want to Hold Your Hand" — The BeatlesBest Picture: My Fair Lady
1974Turned 50
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1984Turned 60
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1994Turned 70
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2004Turned 80
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2017Died at 93
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
Key Achievements
- Served as Chairman of the Conservative Party from 1965 to 1967 during a period of opposition.
- Chaired the powerful Conservative backbench 1922 Committee for twelve years, from 1972 to 1984.
- Was a Member of Parliament for a continuous 31-year period, representing constituencies in Taunton.
- Founded and chaired the investment bank Keyser Ullmann, merging political and financial careers.
Did You Know?
He was the first person to suggest Margaret Thatcher as a potential party leader to the press in 1974.
His business dealings with the collapsed company Lonrho led to a high-profile Department of Trade investigation.
He served in the Royal Artillery during World War II and was mentioned in dispatches.
He turned down a peerage from Margaret Thatcher in 1987, reportedly due to a disagreement.
“The backbench is where a party's real policy is often made.”
