Leadership Update: Bruges Group Announces New Chairman Following Passing of Norman Tebbit…

London, September 2025 — The Bruges Group, the UK-based think tank known for its Eurosceptic stance and advocacy of national sovereignty, has announced a significant leadership change following the death of its long-time president, Norman Tebbit, in July 2025.

Tebbit, a former Conservative cabinet minister and one of the most influential voices in the party’s late 20th-century politics, had served as president of the Bruges Group for many years. His leadership was marked by a steadfast commitment to challenging deeper European integration and promoting debate on Britain’s role in the world after Brexit.

In the wake of his passing, the group confirmed that Barry Legg, a former Conservative MP and ex–chief executive of the Conservative Party, has taken over as chairman. Legg, who has long been associated with the Eurosceptic movement, is expected to continue the group’s mission of scrutinizing UK–EU relations while broadening its focus to include trade, sovereignty, and global partnerships.

“Lord Tebbit’s contribution to the Bruges Group and to the wider debate on Britain’s independence cannot be overstated,” the organization said in a statement. “Under Barry Legg’s chairmanship, we will continue to honor his legacy by fostering rigorous discussion and advancing the principles of national self-determination.”

Founded in 1989 in the wake of Margaret Thatcher’s famous Bruges speech, the Bruges Group has played a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual foundations of Euroscepticism in Britain. With Legg at the helm, observers expect the think tank to remain a prominent voice in post-Brexit policy debates, particularly as the UK navigates its evolving trade and diplomatic relationships.