Peter Thomson (priest)

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Peter Thomson (priest) is an Australian anglican clergyman, most famous for influencing future British Prime Minister Tony Blair while they were both at Oxford University.^[1] He also influenced Geoff Gallop, who later became Prime Minister of Western Australia.

Thomson studied for the priesthood at evangelical theological College Ridley College in Melbourne, but became more radical in his Christianity, and became passionate about politics as a way for Christians to achieve their social objectives.^[1]

After several jobs, Thomson went to Oxford to study for two years, where a group of undergraduates gathered around him and were influenced by his approach to politics. This group included both Blair and Gallop.^[1]. Blair has stated that Thomson awakened his concern for a Christian approach to left wing politics.[1]