Sir John Nott dead: Defence Secretary during Falklands War dies aged 92 as tributes pour in

SIR John Nott has died aged 92, his daughter has announced today.

The politician served as Margaret Thatcher’s defence secretary from 1979 to 1883 – including during the Falklands War.

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Sir John speaking at the Conservative Party Conference in Blackpool in October 1999Credit: Getty

Twice during the invasion of the South Atlantic islands in 1982 he attempted to resign from Thatcher’s cabinet- but the prime minister refused to let him quit.

Sasha Swire, his daughter, wrote on X: “RIP my beloved father, John Nott, protector, politician, farmer, me.”

She shared a photo of the pair together, along with a collection of snaps from his distinguished career as a politician.

Sir John offered his resignation following Argentina’s invasion of the Falklands in 1982.

But his offer was refused and he instead went on to play a crucial role in the war.

He remained in his role until he was replaced by Michael Hesentine in January of the following year, having decided against standing for re-election.

Tributes have flooded in for the former MP today.

Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said: “John Nott was an inspiring defence secretary and politician who stood up, alongside Margaret Thatcher, to aggression.

“His resolute determination to free British sovereign territory from tyranny is as important today as it was during the Falklands conflict.

“My condolences go to his family and loved ones at this sad time.”

Prior to his career as a politician, Sir John served as a regular with the 2nd Gurkha Rifles as a lieutenant.

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Sir John Nott has died aged 92

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Sir John Nott has died aged 92Credit: Getty