John Stonehouse was a British politician, businessman and minister who served in Harold Wilson’s cabinet.
He is famous for faking his own death in 1974, sparking a worldwide search.
Stonehouse’s life was marked by political achievement, personal scandal and criminal fraud, making him a fascinating and controversial figure.
File
- Full name: John Thomson Stonehouse
- Date of birth: July 28, 1925
- Age as of 2024: Will be 99 years old (deceased)
- male
- Place of birth: Southampton, England
- British nationality
- Occupation: Politician, businessman, minister
- Height: None
- Parents: Frederick Joseph Stonehouse and Ethel Annie Thomson
- Siblings: None
- Spouse: Barbara Joan Smith
- Children: Julia Stonehouse, Jane Stonehouse and Matthew
- Relationship Status: Deceased
- Net worth: $10 million
Early life and education
John Stonehouse was born on July 28, 1925 in Southampton, England, to Frederick Joseph Stonehouse and Ethel Annie Thomson.
His father was a clerk, and the family lived a middle-class life. Stonehouse grew up with a strong interest in politics and economics, which led him to study at the London School of Economics.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Economics), demonstrating his academic ability. During World War II, he served as a Royal Air Force pilot from 1944 to 1946, contributing to the war effort.
Personal life
Stonehouse married Barbara Joan Smith in 1948 and had three children together. After a long and tumultuous marriage, the couple divorced in 1978. In 1981, he also had a long-term relationship with Sheila Elizabeth Buckley.
Stonehouse’s personal life was marked by controversy, including his relationship with Buckley while still married to his first wife. His relationships were often turbulent, and his political and business dealings affected his family life.
Career
Stonehouse was the Labour Member of Parliament (MP) for Wednesbury in Staffordshire from 1957 to 1974. He rose rapidly through the political ranks, serving as Minister for Posts and Telecommunications, Minister for Technology and Postmaster General.
Stonehouse was known for his advocacy of technological advancement and his support of the British computer industry. He played a major role in shaping the country’s technology landscape.
Net asset value
At the time of his death, John Stonehouse had an estimated net worth of $10 million.
Death
John Stonehouse died on 14 April 1988, aged 62, of a heart attack. His death marked the end of a life marked by political achievement, personal scandal and criminal fraud.
Argumentative
Stonehouse became embroiled in controversy when he faked his own death on November 20, 1974, by leaving a pile of clothes on a beach in Miami Beach. He was later found in Australia and arrested on December 24, 1974.
Stonehouse was tried on 21 counts of fraud, theft, forgery, conspiracy to defraud, causing a false police investigation and wasting police time. He was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison for fraud. The scandal led to his political downfall and cemented his notoriety.
Social Media
- Instagram: None
- Twitter: None
