As Chairman of the West Dorset Conservative Association I would like to express the sadness felt in the Association at the news that Jim Spicer has passed away.

Jim or Sir James Spicer served his country as a soldier, an MP and an MEP and that contribution was recognised with a knighthood.

However in West Dorset, there are many who knew Jim who will remember what a considerable figure he was in the life of our community for so long. He was a dedicated and dynamic constituency MP and along with his late wife 'Winfy' a tireless supporter of local organisations and causes.

The Association sends its heartfelt condolences to Jim's family.

Fred Horsington

Chairman of the West Dorset Conservative Association