John Profumo

John Refusals Profumo (born the January 30th 1915, dead the March 10th 2006), called Jack Profumo , was a British politician in the center of the “Profumo business” which defrayed the chronicle with the the United Kingdom at the beginning of the Années 1960. This scandal had effects on the conservative government of Harold Macmillan.

Profumo worked then for a caritative work of London, Toynbee Hall . It contributed to bring important funds thanks to its talents of politician. It was named Commandeur Ordre of the British Empire in 1975 for its investment in the social security.

The scandal

In July 1960, Profumo joined the government of Harold Macmillan. It is named Ministre for the War and becomes member of the private Conseil.

In January 1961 in a festival in the residence of Viscount Astor with Cliveden, Profumo meets Christine Keeler, a cal girl with which it has a short connection during a few weeks. The rumors around this history start to circulate. Keeler also had a relation with Yevgeny Ivanov, the principal attache of the navy to the Soviet embassy . In a context of suspicion of espionage, which will become the “Profumo business” starts to take a national dimension.

In December 1962, a shooting with London implying two other men who were in connection with Keeler pushed the press to inquire into the cal girl . The journalists quickly found its bonds with Profumo and Ivanov. But the British tradition which consisted in respecting the private life of the British politicians was maintained until March 1963. It is on this date that George Wigg (workers party) challenged the House of Commons on the security issues main road caused by this supposed connection of Profumo with Keeler. Main concern admitted whereas it had had a connection with Keeler but refuted the charges concerning of possible indiscretions to the annoying consequences for the national security.

The declaration of Profumo did not prevent the newspapers from publishing stories on Keeler, and quickly, it became clear for Macmillan which its position became increasingly difficult. The June 5th 1963, Profumo was forced to admit that he had lied to the House of Commons, one fished unforgivable in the British policy. He resigned of his office, of the private Council and House of Commons. It was never proven that Profumo had revealed capital information with Keeler, but the scandal touched all the conservative government. The defeat at the time of the elections of 1964 is partly charged to him.

Profumo did not speak any more this business until the end of its days, even when the film Scandal and the publication of the memories of Keeler made re-appear its past.

Random links: