I was very sorry to learn that Cecil, Lord Parkinson has died aged 84 after a battle with cancer.

He was a towering figure nationally, playing a central role in the great reforming Thatcher Governments of the 1980s but was also a brilliant local MP. He served Hertsmere from the constituency’s creation until 1992.

Time and time again, local residents would recall him with tremendous warmth and fondness, something that I have experienced since I was selected as the Conservative candidate in 2014.

My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Ann and the rest of his family.