Michael Foot has died

It has been announced that the Rt. Hon. Michael Foot, the former MP and leader of the Labour Party, has died at the age of 96. Mr Foot was not a successful leader but he was an interesting personality. I met him very occasionally at meetings in connection with the Cromwell Association, which was founded by the Rt. Hon. Isaac Foot, MP (Michael's late father), and of which I was honorary treasurer and he was a vice-president. He had a particular speaking style and, on a memorable occasion when I was addressing the Great and Little Abington Conservative Branch annual dinner, I was said by the chairman to speak similarly. I took it as a compliment. Whether it was meant thus is something I have pondered on since.

Though I am not a member, I have also received a message from the League Against Cruel Sports, which reads as follows:

"Following the death of Michael Foot, former leader of the Labour Party, the League Against Cruel Sports paid tribute to a "passionate supporter of animal welfare". It was during Mr Foot's leadership that the Labour Party committed to a ban on hunting with dogs.

Speaking today, the League's Chief Executive, Douglas Batchelor, said:

"We are deeply saddened to learn of Michael's death. He was a true believer in animal welfare and a passionate supporter of our cause. He was typical of the many West Country folk who abhor hunting with dogs and he bravely led his Party's move towards a commitment to ban that awful 'sport'."

"He will be remembered as a true friend of the League, and our thoughts are with his family and colleagues," said Mr Batchelor."