PM pays tribute to Lord St John

The former MP for Chelmsford, Lord St John of Fawsley, has died at the age of 82. Credit: PA Wire

The Prime Minister has paid tribute to the former Chelmsford MP Lord St John of Fawsley, who has died.

Mr Cameron said:

"Norman St John-Stevas was a great and flamboyant political character - intelligent, witty and unfailingly polite. I was lucky to get him in to No10 after becoming Prime Minister to hear his advice. He came to a reception at Downing Street this Christmas and was amongst the last to leave, chatting amiably to young and old alike with his great charm.

"He was the architect of the Select Committee system, which has been truly important in raising Parliament's game in scrutinising the Government. The fact that today Select Committees are more powerful than at any point in their history is a lasting tribute to him."

Norman St John Stevas was the MP for Chelmsford from 1964 until 1987 when he entered the House of Lords.