John Stonehouse Biography: Age, Net Worth, Instagram, Spouse, Height, Wiki, Parents, Siblings, Death

John Stonehouse was a British politician, businessman, and minister who served in the cabinet of Harold Wilson.

He is infamous for faking his death in 1974, sparking a global search.

Stonehouse’s life was marked by political achievement, personal scandal, and criminal deception, making him a fascinating and controversial figure.

Profile

• Full name: John Thomson Stonehouse
• Date of birth: July 28, 1925
• Age as of 2024: Would have been 99 years old (deceased)
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Southampton, England
• Nationality: British
• Profession: Politician, businessman, minister
• Height: N/A
• Parents: Frederick Joseph Stonehouse and Ethel Annie Thomson
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Barbara Joan Smith
• Children: Julia Stonehouse, Jane Stonehouse, and Matthew
• Relationship status: Deceased
• Net worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

John Stonehouse was born on July 28, 1925, in Southampton, England, to Frederick Joseph Stonehouse and Ethel Annie Thomson.

His father was a clerk, and the family lived a middle-class life. Stonehouse grew up with a strong interest in politics and economics, which led him to attend the London School of Economics.

He graduated with a BSc (Econ.) degree, demonstrating his academic prowess. During World War II, he was a Royal Air Force pilot from 1944 until 1946, contributing to the war effort.

Personal Life

Stonehouse married Barbara Joan Smith in 1948 and had three children together. After a long and tumultuous marriage, the couple divorced in 1978. In 1981, he was also in a long-term relationship with Sheila Elizabeth Buckley.

Stonehouse‘s personal life was marked by controversy, including his affair with Buckley while still married to his first wife. His relationships were often tumultuous, and his political and business dealings affected his family life.

Career

Stonehouse was a Labour Co-operative Member of Parliament (MP) for Wednesbury in Staffordshire from 1957 until 1974. He quickly rose through the political ranks, serving as Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Minister of State for Technology, and Postmaster General.

Stonehouse was known for his advocacy of technological advancement and his support for the British computer industry. He played a crucial role in shaping the country’s technological landscape.

Net worth

At the time of his death, John Stonehouse had a net worth estimated to be around $10 million.

Death

John Stonehouse died on April 14, 1988, at the age of 62, due to a heart attack. His death marked the end of a life marked by political achievement, personal scandal, and criminal deception.

Controversy

Stonehouse was embroiled in controversy when he faked his death on November 20, 1974, by leaving a pile of clothes on a beach in Miami Beach. He was later found in Australia and arrested on December 24, 1974.

Stonehouse was tried for 21 fraud charges, theft, forgery, conspiracy to defraud, causing a false police investigation, and wasting police time. He was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison for fraud. This scandal led to his political downfall and cemented his notoriety.