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Sir Jeremy Hanley, the former chairman of the Conservative Party, has died at the age of 80.
His family confirmed his death on Friday after a short illness, thanking staff at Torbay Hospital for their dedication and care.
A prominent figure in Conservative politics, Sir Jeremy served as party chairman for a year from July 1994, and held various ministerial positions under Sir John Major’s government.
He represented Richmond and Barnes as an MP for 14 years, beginning in 1983. After his seat was abolished, he failed to win Richmond Park in the 1997 general election.
Sir Jeremy Hanley served in a series of ministerial roles under Sir John Major (John Stillwell/PA)
He later failed to be selected by London Conservatives as a candidate for the 1999 European Parliamentary elections. Sir Jeremy subsequently chaired Brain Games Network, an internet company for chess and drafts.
In a statement, his family said: “The Rt Hon Sir Jeremy Hanley KCMG died on May 22 2026 after a short illness. Sir Jeremy’s family thanks the staff at Torbay Hospital for their dedication and care in his final days.”
Sir Jeremy was the son of Railway Children actress Dinah Sheridan and actor Jimmy Hanley.
Dinah Sheridan and her son MP Jeremy Hanley (PA)
His sister, Jenny Hanley, was a presenter on the 1970s children’s show Magpie.
He is survived by his wife, three children and five grandchildren.