The following is an amended post I wrote on The Guardian on the 22nd June 2010, and before I had heard of the news of the death of Peter Walker.
Peter Edward Walker, Baron Walker of Worcester, MBE PC (25 March 1932 – 23 June 2010)
I was saddened to read the news of the death of Peter Walker, I considered him to be one of the truly decent people of British Conservatism, even if I disagreed with some of his views:
In my youth I was a Labour Party Young Socialist member, I worked on Trades Councils, was Press Officer for a whole and took part in activities at the local constituency Labour Party offices. I have no qualms in saying I was one of the favoured young socialists of the excellent City Mayor, Albert Wilkes, who encouraged me to actively participate in the party.
I scrutinised votes at elections, and from time to time was told to hold the Labour HQ fort in my city. This usually happened when an election count was on – I was only 17 when I started to participate in these events, and I felt quite proud that senior members of the Labour Party placed their trust in me. Although to be quite frank, when the calls from Labour central office in London came through during the evening, to me in Worcester, it made me, on those nights, and many years ago, quite awed but not quite overwhelmed. After all, they talked my language.
One day, I was perhaps 14 or 15, I was on my bicycle delivering Labour Party party election propaganda to houses, it was a lovely balmy evening. A Jaguar pulled up beside me. "Where is the Grammar School" asked the driver, quite brusquely I thought. I looked into the car, a big luxurious car for its time. Peter Walker was in the back seat. He leaned forward and – like the gent he was - politely corrected his driver "young man" he says, "would you be so kind as to tell us where the school is, it would be so helpful, we are quite late", he smiled. I said "of course", and then "before you go will you take this leaflet from the Labour candidate". Peter Walker did take my leaflet, with more than good grace, and not only that, said something along the lines of "if only more young people in Britain took the same interest in politics and the elections, and their city".
I know Peter Walker had some bad press, but I will always respect him for the kind words he had for me, and his invitation to visit parliament.
I will probably never vote Tory, but I will always say that Peter Walker was an absolute gent.
I have nothing more to state; other than my most sincere condolences to all those people who will miss him.