Tom Spencer (politician)

Thomas Newnham Bayley Spencer (born 10 April 1948) is a British Conservative Party politician and former Member of the European Parliament (MEP).

Tom Spencer
Member of the European Parliament
for Surrey
In office
9 June 1994 – 10 June 1999
Preceded byConstituency created
Succeeded byConstituency abolished
Member of the European Parliament
for Surrey West
In office
15 June 1989 – 9 June 1994
Preceded byCharles Wellesley
Succeeded byConstituency abolished
Member of the European Parliament
for Derbyshire
In office
10 June 1979 – 14 June 1984
Preceded byConstituency created
Succeeded byGeoff Hoon
Personal details
Born (1948-04-10) 10 April 1948
NationalityBritish
Political partyConservative
Alma materUniversity of Southampton

Spencer was educated at Pangbourne Nautical College and the University of Southampton.

He served as Conservative MEP for Derbyshire from 1979–1984, Conservative MEP for Surrey West from 1989–1994, and as Conservative MEP for Surrey from 1994–1999.[1] He was leader of the UK Conservative MEPs from 1995 to 1998 and was Chairman of the Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee from 1997 to 1999.

He decided not to stand for re-election to the European Parliament in 1999 after being found with gay pornography and two cannabis cigarettes in his luggage at Heathrow Airport.[2] Spencer acknowledged being gay and said that his wife was aware of that before they married.[2] Spencer was in a relationship with pornographic actor Cole Tucker, who was depicted in the pornography found in Spencer's luggage.[3]

References
  1. Dod's Parliamentary Companion. International Publications Service. 1997.
  2. "Drugs scandal MEP quits". BBC News. 31 January 1999. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
  3. Morgan, Gary (2 February 1999), "HIV shock for wife of drug bust Tory", Scottish Daily Record & Sunday, retrieved 9 February 2011


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