Leslie Hore-Belisha
Leslie Hore-Belisha was born on September 7, 1893. See ranking, bio blurb, and everyone else born that day.
About Leslie Hore-Belisha
Isaac Leslie Hore-Belisha, 1st Baron Hore-Belisha (; 7 September 1893 – 16 February 1957) was a British politician, at first a member of the Liberal Party, later of the Liberal Nationals, and eventually of the Conservative Party, who served as a Member of Parliament (MP) and Cabinet Minister. He proved highly successful in modernising the British road system between 1934 and 1937 as Minister of Transport. As War Secretary from 1937 to 1940, he feuded with the commanding generals and was removed in 1940. Some writers believe that antisemitism played a role in both his dismissal and in blocking his appointment as Minister of Information. One historian compares his strong and weak points: He was a brilliant speaker, a warm and engaging personality, a go-getter and a persistent driver, a master of the unconventional or indirect approach, a patriot and a man of moral and physical courage, not a great intellect but an original with a flair for imaginative gestures and for public relations. He also had personal weaknesses. He was extremely self-centred and had a fine conceit of himself. At times he was accused of sharp practice. ... Sharp practitioner or not, [his] quickness of mind and tongue, and transparent ambition to be seen to succeed, made him vulnerable to smears. ... His over-assertiveness ... led him to appear inconsiderate of the feelings and views of others. His name is still widely associated in the UK with the flashing amber "Belisha beacons" that were introduced at pedestrian crossings while he was Minister of Transport.