Maudling, Reginald (1917–1979)

British Conservative politician, chancellor of the Exchequer 1962–64, contender for the party leadership in 1965, and home secretary 1970–72.

Born in London and educated at Merchant Taylors' and Merton College, Oxford, he was called to the Bar in 1940. After holding junior office he became minister of supply 1955–57. He was MP for Barnet 1958–74 and for Chipping Barnet from 1974. He was paymaster general 1957–59, president of the Board of Trade 1959–61, colonial secretary 1961–62, and chancellor of the Exchequer 1962–64. In 1965 Maudling was a candidate for the leadership of the Conservative Party, but was defeated by Edward Heath. Subsequently he became deputy leader of the party.

He resigned his office as home secretary when referred to during the bankruptcy proceedings of the architect John Poulson, since (as home secretary) he would have been in charge of the Metropolitan Police investigating the case. In July 1977 Maudling, together with two other MPs, was censured for conduct inconsistent with the standards of the House of Commons in a report of a select committee in relation to the Poulson affair, but the House subsequently overwhelmingly defeated a motion to suspend him. Maudling was the Conservative spokesperson for foreign affairs 1975–76. His memoirs were published in 1978.