Thomas Galbraith, 2nd Baron Strathclyde

Thomas Galloway Dunlop du Roy de Blicquy Galbraith, 2nd Baron Strathclyde, Baron Strathclyde of Barskimming (born 22 February 1960), known informally as Tom Strathclyde, is a British Conservative politician. Lord Strathclyde served as Leader of the House of Lords and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster under Prime Minister David Cameron from May 2010 until January 2013, having previously been Leader of the Opposition in the House of Lords (1998–2010). He was the last hereditary peer to serve as Leader of the Lords.

In May 2026, it was announced he was to be given one of 26 new life peerages, returning him to the House of Lords after the coming into force of the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Act 2026.

Biography Thomas Galbraith was born in Glasgow, the son of Conservative politician Sir Tam Galbraith and his Belgian wife Simone du Roy de Blicquy. His father was the MP for Glasgow Hillhead from 1948 until his death in 1982. Galbraith succeeded to the barony in 1985 at the age of 25, following the death of his grandfather Thomas Galbraith, 1st Baron Strathclyde. He contested the Merseyside East constituency in the 1984 European election.

Education

Galbraith was educated at Sussex House School, in London, and Wellington College near Sandhurst, Berkshire. He attended the University of East Anglia, He was succeeded by Lord Hill of Oareford. He was subsequently appointed a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for his services to the Lords.

On 26 April 2026, Lord Strathclyde lost his seat in the House of Lords because of the passage of the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Act 2026, which removed the remaining hereditary peers from the House of Lords. However, on 12 May 2026, it was announced that Strathclyde will be given a life peerage, which will enable his return to the house.

Marriage and children Strathclyde married Jane Skinner, elder daughter of John Skinner, in 1992. They have three daughters:

He is a director of Auchendrane Estates Ltd, a landowning company in Scotland. His wealth is estimated at £10m.

He was a non-executive director on the board of Trafigura's hedge-fund arm, Galena Asset Management, from 2004 until 2009. Trafigura defended court actions during the 2006 Ivory Coast toxic waste dump scandal and The Guardian suggested his appointment may be an attempt to de-toxify the Dutch company globally.

Arms