Former Conservative MP Sir John Stanley dies at 83

Sir John Stanley pictured with Tom Tugendhat, who succeededhim as MP for Tonbridge and Malling

Sir John Stanley, the former Conservative MP for Tonbridge and Malling, has died at the age of 83.

The announcement was made on social media by his successor, Tom Tugendhat.

Sir John was MP for the Kent constituency between 1974 and 2015.

He served as Margaret Thatcher's Parliamentary Private Secretary in the early years of her prime ministership and in the departments of the Environment, Defence and the Northern Ireland Office.

In a statement, Mr Tugendhat said: "Even after he stepped down, he was a kind friend and counsel to me and was the best predecessor I could ask for.

"No issue was too big or small for Sir John to deal with.

"In parliament, he was devoted to serving his country in the same way he served our community.

"Sir John will be missed by us all, not least, me."