Sir Peter Tapsell dead aged 88 – tributes to veteran Tory MP and former Father of the House

The veteran Conservative politician and former Member of Parliament served as Father of the House between 2010 and 2015.

At the time of his retirement in 2015, he was the longest continuously serving MP, having been elected in 1966.

Mr Tapsell was one of the most recognisable figures in the House of Commons.

He represented the Nottingham West constituency between 1959 and 1964 before a two year break.

The politician then returned as MP for Horncastle in 1966, representing the seat since standing down in 2015.


He was knighted in 1985 before becoming a member of the privy council in 2011.

John Howell, MP for the Henley Constituency, wrote: "Very sad to hear of the death of Sir Peter Tapsell. I served with him for over 5 years in the House of Commons. A great link with history – we forget or ignore this at our peril".

Conservative MP for Chelsea & Fulham also paid tribute, writing: "Tapsell was one of my favourite MPs. Spent 10yrs with him in Commons. He had overlapped the other end, 1959-64, with Sir Winston Churchill. An amazing story-teller, one-off rebel (eg only Tory to vote for Blair’s 90 days detention).

"As his whip, always predictably unpredictable.


"As Tapsell’s Whip, it was my job in 2012 to get him to go canvassing for Boris in the London Mayor election. He wouldn’t communicate by phone or email, only fax or letter. His very polite letter back told me he would be no use canvassing 'as everyone I know in London is dead'."

Victoria Atkins MP wrote: "I am saddened to hear about the death of my predecessor and former Father of the House of Commons, Sir Peter Tapsell. Sir Peter was a great Parliamentarian and a gentleman, whose public service spanned more than five decades.

"I will always remember the kindness he showed to me during my time as the parliamentary candidate for Louth & Horncastle and his continued support following my election. I send my sincere condolences to Lady Tapsell."

Ann Treneman, theatre critic and former sketchwriter for The Times, added: "Sir Peter Tapsell was an absolute legend. I always mentioned his matching silk pocket handkerchief in my sketch and one day he sent me one.

"Total sketchwriter’s fave. Simon Hoggart adored sketching him … RIP"

Lord Eric Pickles added: "Sorry to read this, very good and agreeable company. A formidable contributor to the Chamber of the Commons. I doubt we will see his like again."


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