Former Conservative Party chairman Sir Jeremy Hanley has died at the age of 80 following a short illness. His family confirmed his passing on Friday, expressing gratitude to the staff at Torbay Hospital for their dedicated care during his final days.
Political career
Sir Jeremy served in several ministerial roles under Prime Minister Sir John Major and held the position of party chairman from July 1994 to July 1995. He was the Member of Parliament for Richmond and Barnes for 14 years, from 1983 until the constituency was abolished. In the 1997 general election, he unsuccessfully contested the newly created Richmond Park seat.
After failing to secure selection as a candidate for the 1999 European Parliamentary elections by London Conservatives, Sir Jeremy later chaired Brain Games Network, an internet company focusing on chess and drafts.
Family statement
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." He is survived by his wife, three children, and five grandchildren.
Sir Jeremy was the son of actress Dinah Sheridan, known for her role in The Railway Children, and actor Jimmy Hanley. His sister Jenny Hanley was a presenter on the 1970s children's television show Magpie.
