Tom Spencer became the Chairman of the British Section of the European People's Party (EPP) Group following the 1994 European Elections. Following Lord Plumb's decision to step down in 1996 he additionally became the official Leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament, combining the two leadership roles. He stood down following the result of the 1997 General Election, stating that he wanted his successor to have plenty of time to prepare before the next European Elections. He retired from the European Parliament in 1999 following media revelations about his personal life.