I am very saddened indeed to learn of the death of Jeremy Thorpe. He was a towering political figure, both locally as North Devons MP and nationally as Liberal Party leader. As a teenager in the 1970s becoming interested in politics for the first time, I can remember being gripped by the dramatic events that led eventually to the end of Jeremy Thorpes political career. However I hope he will be best remembered for his considerable political achievements. Jeremy Thorpe was North Devons MP for 20 years, from 1959 to 1979. He served the constituency well, and many people I speak to on the doorsteps today still remember him very fondly. He made his mark on North Devon - quite literally. The memorial statue to his first wife at the summit of Codden Hill is one of my favourite viewpoints in North Devon. It will now take on a greater poignancy. It was as leader of the Liberal Party that Jeremy Thorpe came to prominence on the national stage. Under his leadership, the party once again became a major player in British politics. Whatever ones political views, that is an immense contribution to our democracy. My thoughts are with Jeremy Thorpes family and friends at this difficult time. He will be remembered fondly as a great public servant for North Devon.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Dec 2014 16:27:43 +0000