James Goldsmith

James Goldsmith

James Goldsmith
Born	26 February 1933 Paris, France
Died	18 July 1997 (aged 64) Benahavís, Spain
Nationality	British, French
Occupation	Businessman, Politician
Known for	Founder of the Referendum Party

James Goldsmith (26 February 1933 – 18 July 1997) was a British-French businessman and politician. He was best known as the founder of the Referendum Party, a political party in the United Kingdom.

Early Life and Education

Goldsmith was born on 26 February 1933 in Paris, France. He was the son of Frank Goldsmith, a wealthy financier, and Marcelle Mouiller, a French socialite. He grew up in a privileged environment and attended the prestigious Eton College in England.

Business Career

Goldsmith started his business career in the 1950s, initially working for his father's company. He later founded his own investment firm, Goldsmith & Co., which specialized in corporate takeovers and restructuring. He gained a reputation as a shrewd businessman and made a fortune through his successful business ventures.

One of Goldsmith's notable business deals was the acquisition of the British food company, Cavenham Foods, in 1965. He transformed the struggling company into a profitable enterprise and later sold it for a substantial profit.

Political Career

In the 1990s, Goldsmith turned his attention to politics and founded the Referendum Party in 1994. The party's main objective was to campaign for a referendum on the United Kingdom's membership in the European Union. Goldsmith believed that the British people should have the right to decide their country's future relationship with the EU.

The Referendum Party gained significant attention and support, particularly from those who were skeptical of the EU's influence on British sovereignty. However, the party failed to win any seats in the 1997 general election, and Goldsmith passed away shortly after the election.

Personal Life

Goldsmith was married three times and had several children. His first marriage was to Isabel Patino, with whom he had two children. He later married Ginette Lery, with whom he had four children. His third marriage was to Lady Annabel Vane-Tempest-Stewart, with whom he had three children.

Legacy

James Goldsmith left a lasting impact on British politics through his establishment of the Referendum Party. Although the party did not achieve its main objective, it played a significant role in shaping the debate on the UK's relationship with the EU.

Goldsmith's business acumen and success in the corporate world also contributed to his legacy. He was widely regarded as one of the most influential businessmen of his time.

See Also

• Referendum Party
• European Union
• Brexit