

Last Updated: 22 Sep, 2026 | Views: 5
Age: 75
Profession: Politician
Higher Education: Nottingham High School,Peterhouse, Cambridge
About (Profile/Biography):
Nicholas Edward True, Baron True, is a British Conservative politician and life peer who has held senior roles in local and national government. Born on 31 July 1951, he was educated at Nottingham High School before studying Classics and History at Peterhouse, Cambridge. Nicholas began his political career in the Conservative Research Department and later became a special adviser and policy official during the governments of Margaret Thatcher and John Major. He served as a Richmond upon Thames councillor and later led the borough council. Created a life peer in 2010, Lord True became a Cabinet Office minister in 2020 and served as Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal from 2022 to 2024. He subsequently became Shadow Leader of the House.
Early Life And Education of Nicholas True
• Nicholas was born on 31 July 1951 and attended Nottingham High School before studying Classics and History at Peterhouse, Cambridge.
• Lord True graduated from Cambridge in 1973, with his Bachelor of Arts later converted to a Master of Arts degree.
• He developed an early interest in politics and public affairs, eventually joining the Conservative Party's research operation after university.
Political Career of Nicholas True
• Nicholas worked in the Conservative Research Department before becoming a special adviser to Health Secretary Norman Fowler during the 1980s.
• Lord True later served as Deputy Head of John Major's Prime Minister's Policy Unit and worked in the Prime Minister's Office.
• He subsequently became Private Secretary to the Opposition Leader in the Lords and Director of the Opposition Whips' Office.
Local Government Career of Nicholas True
• Nicholas served as a Conservative councillor in Richmond upon Thames from 1986 to 1990 and again from 1998 to 2018.
• Lord True became Leader of Richmond upon Thames Council in 2010 and remained in that position until 2017.
• He previously served as Deputy Leader and Leader of the Opposition, building extensive experience in London local government before entering the Lords.
House of Lords And Government Career
• Nicholas was created Baron True of East Sheen in December 2010, becoming a life peer and joining the House of Lords.
• Lord True became Minister of State at the Cabinet Office in February 2020, working across central government responsibilities.
• In September 2022, he became Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Lords, serving until July 2024.
Major Controversy Around Nicholas True
• Lord True attracted criticism during parliamentary debates over the government's handling of Brexit-related legislation and constitutional questions.
• His ministerial role placed him at the centre of debates involving parliamentary procedure, government legislation, and relations between the Commons and Lords.
• Nicholas has also faced political criticism over positions taken by Conservative governments, while continuing to defend the government's parliamentary approach.
Awards And Recognitions Received by Nicholas True
• Nicholas was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1993 New Year Honours for his public and political service.
• Lord True was sworn into the Privy Council in September 2022 after becoming Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal.
• He received a life peerage in 2010, formally taking the title Baron True of East Sheen in the County of Surrey.
Lesser Known Facts About Nicholas True
• Nicholas was described by former Prime Minister John Major in his memoirs as his favourite speechwriter during their years working together.
• Lord True is a fluent Italian speaker and has previously lived and studied in Italy, reflecting his longstanding interest in European history.
• He has served as a trustee of Richmond Civic Trust since 2006, maintaining an interest in local heritage and community affairs.
Wait!
Here're some popular profiles for you.
