A veteran politician who served the town as MP for almost 30 years has died.

Sir Roger Moate lost a battle with cancer at his home in Faversham on Monday, at the age of 80.

The retired Conservative politician and former insurance broker first stood as MP for Faversham in 1966, but lost to Labour’s Terence Boston.

But Sir Roger saw victory in 1970, and remained in Parliament until 1997 when he fell victim to a seat split to form Faversham and Mid Kent and Sittingbourne and Sheppey.

He contested the latter seat, but was beaten by Derek Wyatt, Labour’s candidate.

Sir Roger married his late wife, Lady Auriol Moate, in 1984.

The couple designed and built their own house and garden in The Street in Newnham after moving from London, with their daughter Sophie.

Lady Auriol died at the age of 65 in 2016, also from cancer.

Former Canterbury MP Sir Julian Brazier has expressed his sadness at the death of Sir Roger, who he said was a great support when he was first elected to parliament.

“He was a very good colleague and friend, and we worked together in neighbouring constituencies for around 10 years,” he said.

“I remember him as being very devoted to his work and helpful to me when I was a junior MP.

“He also had a great sense of humour, which is usually in short supply in politics.

“Unfortunately, I hadn’t seen him for a few years but am very sad to hear of his passing.”

Conservative colleague Cllr Mike Whiting has sent his condolences to Sir Roger’s family, praising him for his “hard-work” in the district.

"He also had a great sense of humour, which is usually in short supply in politics..." - Julian Brazier

He said: “I first met Sir Roger when I became chairman of Sheppey Young Conservatives in 1977, and I remember campaigning for him and other local councillors for many years, including my own election to Swale in 1987.

“Roger was a hard-working advocate for Swale and was the catalyst for much that was good for urging Swale on the map.

“My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Faversham and Mid Kent MP Helen Whately says she feels "lucky to have had the chance to get to know him".

She added: "I am very sad we have lost Sir Roger. As well as all he did for Faversham as its Member of Parliament for nearly 30 years, he was very much part of the local community.

"I feel lucky to have had the chance to get to know him.

"He was always full of humour, kindness and wisdom. He will be much missed and my thoughts are particularly with his family."

Sir Roger Moate's memory now lives on in the life of his son Andrew and his two daughters Sally and Sophie.

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