William Stephen Ian Whitelaw, 1st Viscount Whitelaw, KT, CH, MC, PC, DL (June 28, 1918 - July 1, 1999), commonly known as Willie Whitelaw, was a British Conservative politician.

Rt. Hon. William Whitelaw in 1974

Whitelaw attended Trinity College, Cambridge, then joined the British Army, earning the rank of major in the Scots Guards; during World War II, he earned a Military Cross. He became MP for Penrith and the Border in 1955, and represented that constituency for 28 years. He became Opposition Chief Whip in 1964, and then Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons in 1970. He was also appointed to the Privy Council during this time.

He was the first British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland after the imposition of direct rule in March 1972 and he served in that capacity until November 1973. During his time in Northern Ireland he introduced 'special category' status for paramilitary prisoners. He also served as Secretary of State for Employment from 1973 to 1974; in the latter year, he became a Companion of Honour.

Soon after Harold Wilson took control of the government, Whitelaw became Deputy Leader of the Opposition, a position he held until Margaret Thatcher became prime minister. In 1979, he became Home Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister. Two days after the 1983 general election he received a hereditary peerage (the first created for 18 years) in order to become Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Lords. This sparked an immediate by-election.

Whitelaw faced many challenges in attempting to manage the House of Lords, facing a major defeat over abolition of the Greater London Council within a year of taking over. However, his patrician and moderate style appealed to Conservative peers and his tenure is considered a success.

During his period as Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Lords, Margaret Thatcher relied on Whitelaw heavily and famously announced that "every prime minister needs a Willie".

He was forced to resign by ill health in January 1988.

Sources

• Burke's Peerage (http://www.burkes-peerage.net/sites/Contents/book/UK/FHP/Peerage/fhp-WHITELAW.asp)

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