Charles DL

July 24, 1915 (age 68)

Liverpool, United Kingdom

At Oxford he was president of the Union of Liberal Students and president of the University Liberal Club. His treasurer was Harold Wilson, later Labour Party prime minister. Byers was also an Exchange Scholar at Milton Academy, Massachusetts. Byers was admitted to Grays Inn after university but broke off his legal education to enlist. During World World War II, Byers served in the Royal Artillery, rising to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and for a time serving on Field Marshal Montgomery"s staff In 1944 he was made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. In the 1945 general election, Byers gained the formerly Conservative seat of North Dorset, although the absence of a Labour candidate was a key factor in this success. In 1946, Byers was appointed Liberal Chief Whip and gained a reputation for hard work and effective organisation both in Parliament and at Liberal Party headquarters. However he was unable to hold North Dorset in 1950, losing by just 97 votes to the Conservative following Labour"s decision to stand a candidate. He unsuccessfully tried to re-enter the House of Commons in 1960 at the Bolton East by-election. In 1964, Byers was made a life peer and three years later he became leader of the Liberal peers. He was created a Privy Councillor in 1972. Outside Parliament, Byers was a businessman, a Director of Rio Tinto Zinc from 1962-1973 and a broadcaster. He died of a heart attack on 6 February 1984. A memorial service was held for Lord Byers in Westminster Abbey on 5 April 1984. Their daughter, Lisa Nandy, is a Labour Member of Parliament.

Charles DL

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Background

Byers was born in Wallasey, Cheshire, moved with the family to Potters Bar and was educated at Westminster School, followed by Christ Church, Oxford, where he won a Blue for athletics.

Education

Christ Church; Westminster School.

Career

At Oxford he was president of the Union of Liberal Students and president of the University Liberal Club. His treasurer was Harold Wilson, later Labour Party prime minister. Byers was also an Exchange Scholar at Milton Academy, Massachusetts.

Byers was admitted to Grays Inn after university but broke off his legal education to enlist.

During World World War II, Byers served in the Royal Artillery, rising to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and for a time serving on Field Marshal Montgomery"s staff In 1944 he was made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. In the 1945 general election, Byers gained the formerly Conservative seat of North Dorset, although the absence of a Labour candidate was a key factor in this success.

In 1946, Byers was appointed Liberal Chief Whip and gained a reputation for hard work and effective organisation both in Parliament and at Liberal Party headquarters. However he was unable to hold North Dorset in 1950, losing by just 97 votes to the Conservative following Labour"s decision to stand a candidate.

He unsuccessfully tried to re-enter the House of Commons in 1960 at the Bolton East by-election.

In 1964, Byers was made a life peer and three years later he became leader of the Liberal peers. He was created a Privy Councillor in 1972. Outside Parliament, Byers was a businessman, a Director of Rio Tinto Zinc from 1962-1973 and a broadcaster.

He died of a heart attack on 6 February 1984.

A memorial service was held for Lord Byers in Westminster Abbey on 5 April 1984. Their daughter, Lisa Nandy, is a Labour Member of Parliament.

Achievements

He was mentioned in dispatches three times, was created a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, was awarded the Croix de Guerre.

Membership

38th United Kingdom Parliament.

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Charles DL

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Awards

Officer of the Order of the British Empire Legion of Honour; Croix de Guerre