Charles Henry Plumb, Baron Plumb (27 March 1925 – 15 April 2022) was a British farmer and politician whose career bridged national agricultural leadership and European politics. He rose from practical farming into public office as a leader of the National Farmers' Union (NFU), later representing British interests in the European Parliament as a Conservative Member (Conservative Party, MEP). Plumb is best known internationally for serving as President of the European Parliament from 1987 to 1989 (European Parliament presidency), the only Briton to have held that post.

Early career and agricultural leadership

Plumb began his working life as a commercial farmer. His practical experience on the land informed his advocacy for agricultural policy and rural communities. As a senior figure in the National Farmers' Union he became a recognizable public voice for British farming, negotiating with government and industry on issues such as market support, farm incomes and agricultural regulation. His period of NFU leadership helped shape his reputation as a pragmatic, consensus-minded representative of rural interests.

European Parliament: MEP and presidency

When the United Kingdom elected Members to the directly chosen European Parliament in 1979, Plumb was among those returned and he held his seat for two decades (1979–1999). During his time in Strasbourg and Brussels he combined interest in agriculture with wider institutional work. In 1987 he was elected President of the European Parliament, serving until 1989. Occupying that office involved chairing plenary sessions, representing the Parliament to other EU institutions and helping to steer legislative and budgetary procedures at a politically important moment in the Community's development.

Peerage, university role and later activities

Shortly before taking up the presidency of the European Parliament, Plumb was created a life peer as Baron Plumb, of Coleshill in the County of Warwickshire on 6 April 1987 (life peerage, Coleshill, Warwickshire). He continued to play public and civic roles after his European parliamentary career, including a decade-long term as Chancellor of Coventry University from 1995 to 2007 (Coventry University). He was also involved in the establishment of an EU-focused advisory practice, reflecting his background in both farming and European affairs.

Legacy and notable facts

Plumb's career is often noted for several distinguishing features: his transition from practical farming to high political office; his long service as an MEP across two decades; and his unique distinction as the only British national to have been President of the European Parliament. His work touched on agricultural policy, rural advocacy and the evolving role of the European legislative body during the late 20th century. He died on 15 April 2022 at the age of 97.

  • Born: 27 March 1925; Died: 15 April 2022.
  • Key roles: NFU leader, Conservative MEP (1979–1999), President of the European Parliament (1987–1989).
  • Honours and offices: Life peer (Baron Plumb of Coleshill), Chancellor of Coventry University, involvement with EU advisory practice.

For more detailed archival records and institutional summaries see the organizations and institutions linked above, which document his public offices and contributions to agricultural and European policy.