Basil Neven-Spence
| Born | 12 May 1888, Leith |
|---|---|
| Died | 13 September 1974, Edinburgh |
| Elections | 8 (6 won) |
| Bayanne | Genealogy page |
Sir Basil Hamilton Hebden Neven-Spence was elected as a conservative MP for the constituency of Orkney & Shetland on 14th November 1935, replacing Robert Hamilton. He served until 1950 when he was replaced by Jo Grimond.
Biography
After graduating from Edinburgh University in 1911, he served with the Royal Army Medical Corps, mainly in the Middle East, before returning to the UK in 1924 and continuing his army career as a specialist medical officer at Aldershot. He retired from the army in 1927 with the rank of Major.
He contested the 1929 election, which was won by Robert Hamilton, and pulled out of the 1931 campaign, prior to the election, before winning the seat in 1935.
He had the Haa on Uyea in his pomp. Jack Priest's memoir of WW2 gives an interesting insider's view of him and the big hoose, from a small boy's point of view.
Political Career
| Year | Election | Council | Votes | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1929 | 1929 UK General Election, Orkney and Shetland Result | Parliament of the United Kingdom | 5,404 | Not elected |
| 1929 | County Council Election December 1929 (Unst South) | Zetland County Council | 83 | Elected |
| 1932 | County Council Election December 1932 (Unst South) | Zetland County Council | Unopposed | Elected |
| 1935 | 1935 UK General Election, Orkney and Shetland Result | Parliament of the United Kingdom | 8,406 | Elected |
| 1945 | 1945 UK General Election, Orkney and Shetland Result | Parliament of the United Kingdom | 6,304 | Elected |
| 1950 | 1950 UK General Election, Orkney and Shetland Result | Parliament of the United Kingdom | 6,281 | Not elected |
| 1952 | County Council Election May 1952 (Delting South) | Zetland County Council | Unopposed | Elected |
| 1958 | County Council Election May 1958 (Delting North) | Zetland County Council | 94 | Elected |
