Stephen Ross, Baron Ross of Newport

Who was Stephen Ross, Baron Ross of Newport?

Stephen Sherlock Ross, Baron Ross of Newport was a Liberal politician in the United Kingdom.

Stephen Ross came from a Scottish background, his family being in shipping in Liverpool. His mother died when he was a baby and he was brought up by his father, who held the MC, in London. Educated at Bedford School, he went into the Navy aged 18 in 1944 and served four years on the lower decks, which he claimed was the best thing that ever happened to him. In 1948 he joined his uncle's firm in Kidderminster, which was an auction and cattle mart. He qualified as a chartered surveyor and land agent. He went to the Isle of Wight in 1953 to secure a better job, and in 1958 tried to join the Liberal Party but 'no one wanted to know'. He finally joined in 1961 and in the 1964 election worked for an elderly lady candidate 'who was slightly muddled about who was Prime Minister'. He decided things could not go on like that and fought the 1966 election himself with his wife, Brenda, a few friends and a Land-Rover. He did the same in 1970, by which time he had become a county councillor.

Ross was Leader of Isle of Wight County Council 1973-74 and 1981-83.