Sir Thomas Daniel McCaffrey (born 20 February 1922; died 8 July 2016), was a British former civil servant who served as Downing Street Press Secretary under James Callaghan from 1976 to 1979.[1][2]
Sir Tom McCaffrey | |
|---|---|
| Downing Street Press Secretary | |
| In office 1976–1979 | |
| Prime Minister | James Callaghan |
| Preceded by | Joe Haines |
| Succeeded by | Henry James |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Thomas Daniel McCaffrey 20 February 1922 Glasgow |
| Died | 8 July 2016 (aged 94) |
| Spouse |
Agnes (Nancy) Douglas
(m. 1949) |
| Children | 6 |
| Education | Hyndland Secondary School St Aloysius college, Glasgow |
| Occupation | Civil servant |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch/service | Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1940–1945 |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Early life
editTom McCaffrey was born in Glasgow and educated at the local Hyndland Secondary School.[3] Later he would attend the Jesuit St Aloysius college. He was the son of a travelling salesman, William McCaffrey and his wife Bridget (nee McCafferty). During World War II he joined the Royal Air Force and served as a wireless radio operator.
Career
editAfter demobilisation in 1945 he commenced his career with the civil service, eventually going on to serve as Downing Street Press Secretary for Labour prime minister James Callaghan. After the defeat of Callaghan in the 1979 general election, he went to work for the new Labour party leader, Michael Foot.[4]
Tom McCaffrey was knighted in the 1979 dissolution honours list.[5]
Personal life
editIn 1949, he married Agnes Douglas, known as Nancy. The union bore four daughters and two sons.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b "Sir Tom McCaffrey obituary". the Guardian. 26 July 2016. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
- ^ "Sir Tom McCaffrey". ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
- ^ "Sir Tom McCaffrey, Callaghan's press secretary – obituary". The Telegraph. 12 July 2016. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
- ^ "Obituary - Sir Tom McCaffrey, Glaswegian who served as James Callaghan's press secretary at height of union strife". HeraldScotland. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
- ^ "Page 7600 | Supplement 47868, 14 June 1979 | London Gazette | The Gazette". www.thegazette.co.uk. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
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