Major drops in for Ray's party

IT looked more like a scene from a James Bond movie rather than a gathering of politicians when former Prime Minister John Major arrived in High Wycombe by helicopter.

John flew in on Thursday for a reception to mark Wycombe Member of Parliament Sir Ray Whitney's 20th anniversary as constituency MP. John described Sir Ray as a friend through good times and bad.

Sir Ray and John met 200 Conservatives at Adams Park, where the former premier shook hands with most of them and signed autographs.

Paying tribute to Sir Ray, John joked about his ability to speak Mandarin Chinese.

He said: "I wish some of my ministers and backbenchers had spoken Mandarin like Sir Ray. They would have made a lot more sense and done a great deal less damage!"

Sir Ray, he said, was respected by the party. On some issues he was "hawkish" and on others "tender."

John added: "Thanks to Ray for all he's done in the Commons. He's been a good friend in good times and bad and always been honest. If he thinks something is wrong, he says it's wrong."

He said Sir Ray was loyal and did not go out of the Commons to leak confidences.

He concluded: "I propose a toast to a good friend and very good Member of Parliament."

Sir Ray, 67, and his wife Sheila were presented by Wycombe Conservative Association with an antique barometer and a cartoon of him on a golf course.

Lady Whitney was presented with a bouquet by Rose Hynard, three. Her mother Sue was association agent until four years ago. In turn Sir Ray presented the association with a watercolour of Mr Major. A tribute was also paid by former county councillor George Knox who was a rival for selection as candidate 20 years ago.

Sir Ray responded saying: "My heart is too full to say too much as there are so many old friends here and so many outrageously nice things have been said that I can't try to cap them all or correct them."

He said that in the 20 years they had a "lot of fun together" and whatever the issue, with different opinions, they had all stayed friends.

After the reception John joined Sir Ray and Lady Whitney for a private dinner party attended by 30 members.

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