29 July 1913

Birth of Jo Grimond Liberal Party leader 1956-67

Born in St Andrews, Fife, Grimond, who was MP for Orkney and Shetland from 1950-1983 is still affectionately remembered by contemporary Liberals who regard him as their spiritual inspiration and political mentor. Grimond’s policy of realignment of the left in the 1950s was a key element in the Liberal revival and his books and pamphlets gave liberalism a new direction and liberal principles a renewed credibility in an age of two-party politics. Outside purely Liberal circles he was that rare creature, a politician who gave politics a good name.