Nicholas Walter Lyell, Baron Lyell of Markyate, PC QC (born 6 December 1938) is a British Conservative politician and was for much of his active political career known as Sir Nicholas Lyell. Lyell was elected Member of Parliament for Hemel Hempstead from 1979, then Mid Bedfordshire from 1983, and moved to North East Bedfordshire at the 1997 election. Lord Lyell is one of very few lawyers to have combined a successful career in Parliament and a major private practice. After 20 years at the Bar he was appointed Solicitor-General from 1987 to 1992 under Margaret Thatcher, and Attorney General under John Major from 1992 to 1997. He stood down at the 2001 election. On 13 May 2005 it was announced that he would be created a life peer, and on 27 June 2005 he was created Baron Lyell of Markyate, of Markyate in the County of Hertfordshire. Lord Lyell of Markyate is Chairman of the Board of Governors of Stowe School.
| Parliament of the United Kingdom | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Robin Corbett |
Member of Parliament for Hemel Hempstead 1979–1983 |
Succeeded by (constituency abolished) |
| Preceded by Stephen Hastings |
Member of Parliament for Mid Bedfordshire 1983–1997 |
Succeeded by Jonathan Sayeed |
| Preceded by new constituency |
Member of Parliament for North East Bedfordshire 1997–2001 |
Succeeded by Alistair Burt |
| Legal offices | ||
| Preceded by Sir Patrick Mayhew |
Solicitor General for England and Wales 1987–1992 |
Succeeded by Sir Derek Spencer |
| Preceded by Sir Patrick Mayhew |
Attorney General for England and Wales 1992–1997 |
Succeeded by Sir John Morris |
