A BOOK detailing the life and political times of former Monmouth MP Peter Thorneycroft was launched this week at a crowded function in the Houses of Parliament.
Baron Thorneycroft, who died in 1994, represented the Monmouth constituancy from 1945 until 1966 and, during that time, served in Harold Macmillan’s Government as the Chancellor of the Exchequer as well as in several other prominent cabinet positions. After losing his seat in the 1966 Election, Thorneycroft was elevated to the House of Lords and acted as the Chairman of the Conservative Party under Margaret Thatcher from 1975 until 1981.
Attending the launch was Baron Thorneycroft’s son John, who has recently moved back to the county his father represented for so many years, and the current Conservative MP for Monmouth, David Davies.
Speaking after the launch, Mr. Davies said, “It was a pleasure to be asked to attend the launch of a book on my noble predecessor Peter Thorneycroft. During his time representing the county he made an indelible contribution to the constituency and few MPs, myself included, could ever hope to emulate his achievements and successes.
“I was lucky to get a preview of this excellent book by well-respected academic historian Stanley Crooks and can attest that it is excellently written and has given me a fascinating insight into the life of a rural MP half a century ago – quite different from life now!”
Copies of Stanley Crooks’s book “Peter Thorneycroft” can be ordered from Stanley Crooks, Thorneycroft Memorial Fund, Bournewood House, Bourne lane, Twyford, Winchester , SO21 1NX at the cost of £25 plus £2.50 p&p.