Lord Heseltine returns to Shrewsbury

Last week we welcomed The Rt. Hon. Lord Michael Heseltine CH back to Shrewsbury School as part of our Shrewsbury Dialogues programme.  

Lord Heseltine, who attended Shrewsbury School from 1947 –51, gave a talk to our Sixth Form pupils, including pupils from nearby state schools, entitled My Time in Politics.  

His career as an MP spans from 1966 – 2001, as well being a Cabinet Minister in various departments and Deputy Prime Minister under John Major from 1995-97. More recently, he was appointed by the government as an adviser to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (2015). 

Lord Heseltine touched on his time at school where he was part of the Royal Wildlife Society, and said he knew from a young age he’d be involved in Politics. 

Following his talk, Lord Heseltine answered questions from the pupils, with subjects ranging from Brexit to the recent Senior Leadership Party election.  

A small panel of pupils enjoyed lunch with Lord and Lady Heseltine, before he was shown around his former boarding house, Moser’s, and tour of the school site.  

Dr Richard Kowenicki, Deputy Head (Academic) said: “It was wonderful to hear one of the most influential political figures of our age address our Sixth Form pupils with fascinating insights into his life in Cabinet as well as his thoughts on contemporary politics.  

“The Q&A was particularly engaging (his views on Brexit could not have been clearer) and is the very essence of the interactive nature of the Shrewsbury Dialogues Lecture Programme. We’re very grateful to him for returning to Shrewsbury; it literally brought the History and Politics curriculum to life.  

“Lord Heseltine left perhaps his most striking advice to those who were lucky enough to have lunch with him; ‘whatever you choose to do, make sure you look forward to Monday mornings’.”