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Lincolnshire councillors pay tribute to Quentin Davies, former Grantham and Stamford MP




Tributes have been paid to a former MP who took the unusual step of representing both the Conservative and Labour parties.

Lord Davies of Stamford, who was a member of the House of Commons between 1987 and 2010 and a lord from 2010 to 2023, died aged 80 on January 13.

Those who worked alongside him during his political career have praised his support for residents’ causes in his constituency area, which included Grantham, Stamford and Bourne. Lord Davies, who lived in Frampton, also represented Spalding prior to boundary changes.

Councillor Ian Selby (left) with Lord Quentin Davies (right). Photo: Ian Selby
Councillor Ian Selby (left) with Lord Quentin Davies (right). Photo: Ian Selby

South Kesteven district councillor Ian Selby (Ind), worked closely with Lord Davies when he was MP for Grantham and Stamford.

“Although I once stood against Quentin as a parliamentary candidate, we had a most cordial relationship,” he recalled.

“When Quentin defected to the Labour Party it was an incredible surprise in the world of politics.

Lord Quentin Davies (left) with Councillor Ian Selby. Photo: Ian Selby
Lord Quentin Davies (left) with Councillor Ian Selby. Photo: Ian Selby

“At the time I was the chairman of the local constituency Labour Party. It was my job to welcome him to the party as he crossed the political floor.

“Quentin was a very astute politician and an extremely good orator. I was present when he made his speech at the Labour Party Conference that received a rousing round of applause.

“Despite not always being popular with his constituents, he was always visible and never shied away from a campaign.

Lord Quentin Davies served as MP for Grantham and Stamford from 1987 until 2010. Photo: Ian Selby
Lord Quentin Davies served as MP for Grantham and Stamford from 1987 until 2010. Photo: Ian Selby

“I recall witnessing a delivery of a hospital petition to Westminster when he played merry hell with government officials who were obstructing the delivery of that petition.

“He may have had an odd way of showing it but he cared more about our town than some people gave him credit for. I know that for a fact, as I witnessed it.

“Whatever people thought of him, he was a formidable politician. Anybody who genuinely cares for our town has my respect and I, for one, will remember him fondly for his efforts for our town.”

Tributes have been paid to Lord Quentin Davies, who dies aged 80. Photo: Ian Selby
Tributes have been paid to Lord Quentin Davies, who dies aged 80. Photo: Ian Selby

Bob Sandall, a Stamford town councillor from 2003 until 2023, enlisted the MP’s support to save Blackstone’s Sports and Social Club, which was under threat of closure by parent company Invensys.

Bob said: “When we were fighting for Blackstone’s I went to see Quentin and and he became involved straight away,” Bob said.

“He attended a meeting with me, Tony Garner, Eric Marvel, Dickon Sinker and Invensys, at which we came to an agreement that we would buy the club. Quentin had given the ultimatum that if they tried to close the club he would ask the Secretary of State to call in the decision.

Tributes have been paid to Lord Quentin Davies, who dies aged 80. Photo: Ian Selby
Tributes have been paid to Lord Quentin Davies, who dies aged 80. Photo: Ian Selby

“He was a nice bloke and we would have struggled to have saved the sports and social club without him.”

Bob remembers Lord Davies phoning him to talk about his defection to the Labour Party just days after he crossed the floor in 2007, and a conversation they had before the MP became a lord, in which Bob advised him to take the title ‘Lord Davies of Stamford’.

Bob was also impressed by the MP’s willingness to participate in local events, which included being aboard the Blackstone’s float at the Stamford Festival parade.

Lord Quentin Davies in Grantham. Photo: Ian Selby
Lord Quentin Davies in Grantham. Photo: Ian Selby

Leader of Lincolnshire County Council Martin Hill (Con) first met Lord Davies when he became an MP in 1987.

He said: “Energetic, intelligent and determined. He was an excellent constituency MP and a generous colleague who was an interesting character to associate with.

“He was happy to share his extensive experience in previous careers in banking and diplomacy, often with amusing anecdotes.

Tributes have been paid to Lord Quentin Davies, who dies aged 80. Photo: Ian Selby
Tributes have been paid to Lord Quentin Davies, who dies aged 80. Photo: Ian Selby

“He honestly and openly kept his Europhile views in spite of it being at odds with the majority of his constituents.

“I was very disappointed when he changed parties mid-stream and it was a sad end to our relationship.”

South Kesteven District councillor Charmaine Morgan (Dem Ind) first met Lord Davies when she was a quizmaster for a quiz at Grantham Railway Social Club, shortly after he defected to the Labour party in 2007.

Lord Davies speaking at the Labour Party conference. Photo: Ian Selby
Lord Davies speaking at the Labour Party conference. Photo: Ian Selby

Coun Morgan said: “One round was dedicated to the history of the Labour party. It was a tricky round, written by my history buff husband, John.

“Despite his former Conservative roots, Quentin answered all of the questions correctly, unlike the party members and to the amusement of everyone.

“His kind donation of a bottle of House of Commons whisky for the raffle went down well with members too.”

Coun Morgan, who is also a campaigner for Grantham Hospital, also praised Lord Davies' support of the hospital.

She added: “Quentin was a strong supporter of Grantham Hospital and was one of the speakers when a rally was held by our campaign group in defence of Grantham Hospital A&E in Wyndham Park.

“His involvement in the campaign was much appreciated. The campaign legacy involving John Hurst, Quentin Davies and Councillor Marjorie Radley is continued by SOS Grantham Hospital today.

“The best way we can remember them is to keep fighting for our NHS and Grantham Hospital.”

Gareth Davies (Con), MP for Grantham and Bourne, also shared a tribute to his predecessor.

He said: “Very sorry to hear of the passing of my predecessor, Quentin Davies. Through his 36 years as a Lincolnshire member of parliament – first representing Spalding and Stamford and then the constituency of Grantham and Stamford – a Government minister, and his previous career in the foreign office, much of his life was spent in public service.

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

South Holland and the Deepings MP Sir John Hayes took on part of Lord Davies’ constituency when he was elected in 1997.

He said: "When I was first selected to be the candidate for South Holland and the Deepings, I had inherited part of his seat and he wa very kind to me by briefing me on the work and helped me to understand the role of an MP.

"He was a very bright man, he had done a lot in his life and I know in his later years he was plagued with ill health.

"One of his big achievements is that he campaigned for the A16 Crowland bypass. He did the bulk of the work to secure the important change."

Lord Davies lived in Frampton, near Boston.

A statement from the Boston and Skegness Conservative Association said: “The Association would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Quentin.

“Losing someone close is a dreadful thing and our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.”

Would you like to share a tribute to Lord Davies? Email news@lincsonline.co.uk.



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