Overview
British Conservative politician and former Member of Parliament (MP) for Cardiff North and Cardiff Central.
Biography
Ian Grist (5 December 1938 – 2 January 2002) was a British Conservative politician known for his tenure as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Cardiff North from February 1974 to 1983, and for Cardiff Central from 1983 to 1992. He also served as a Minister in the Wales Office between June 1987 and November 1990.
Early Life
Grist was born in Southampton, England. He attended prep school in Broadstairs, Kent, followed by Repton School. He studied history at Jesus College, Oxford, from 1957 to 1960.
Career
After his education, Grist initially pursued a career as a colonial administrator, working in Southern Cameroons and Nigeria. He later joined the Conservative Party and served as a researcher before being elected as an MP for Cardiff North in 1974. He continued to serve as an MP for Cardiff Central after boundary changes in 1983.
Member of Parliament
Grist was known for his dedicated service to his constituents and his focus on local issues. He held various positions within the Conservative Party and served as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Nicholas Edwards. He also held the role of Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales from 1987 to 1990.
Outside Parliament
After losing his parliamentary seat, Grist served as the chairman of South Glamorgan Health Authority until 1996. His appointment was met with controversy due to his political background.
Political Views
Grist held conservative views on various issues, opposing Welsh devolution, unions, and certain social policies. However, he also opposed the poll tax and supported the British-American alliance. He was pro-European and advocated for certain social reforms.
Personal Life and Death
Grist was married to Wendy White, with whom he had two sons. He passed away from a stroke on 2 January 2002, at the age of 63.
