David Owen

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Official portrait of Lord Owen crop 2

David Owen 2013.jpg Owen in 2013

David Anthony Llewellyn Owen, Baron Owen (born 2 July 1938) is a British politician and physician. He served as the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs from 1977 to 1979 and was a co-founder and leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Early life and education

David Owen was born in Plymouth, Devon, and was educated at Bradfield College and Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, where he studied medicine. He qualified as a physician and worked in the National Health Service before entering politics.

Political career

Owen was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Plymouth Devonport in 1966 as a member of the Labour Party. He held various ministerial positions, including Minister of State for Health from 1974 to 1976.

In 1977, Owen was appointed Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs by Prime Minister James Callaghan. He served in this role until the Labour Party's defeat in the 1979 general election.

Social Democratic Party

In 1981, Owen co-founded the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in response to dissatisfaction with the Labour Party's direction. He became the leader of the SDP in 1983, following the resignation of Roy Jenkins. Owen led the party until 1987, when he was succeeded by Robert Maclennan.

Later career

After the dissolution of the SDP in 1990, Owen retired from frontline politics. He was created a life peer in 1992, taking the title Baron Owen, of Plymouth in the County of Devon. He has since been involved in various international diplomatic efforts and has written extensively on foreign policy and health issues.

Personal life

David Owen is married and has two children. He continues to be active in public life and contributes to discussions on health and foreign policy.

See also

• List of foreign ministers in 1977
• List of foreign ministers in 1978
• List of foreign ministers in 1979