Letter: Peter Tapsell promptly signed a cheque for £10,000

A story told often in the House of Commons was about when Peter Tapsell was summoned to a constituency lunch to discuss his future, sometime in the 2000s.

The chairman of his local Conservative party was worried about a potential byelection should he fall over as they did not have the funds to pay for it. Of course, what they really wanted from the lunch was that he would agree to stand down at the next election, as that would be much simpler and easier on their collective wallets.

Eventually, after sufficient alcohol, the chairman broached the subject. Peter was appalled that they would not be able to pay for a byelection. He asked how much it would cost and the chair said ten grand. Quick as a flash, Peter took his chequebook out and signed one for £10,000, gave it to him and promptly bid the company a very pleasant afternoon.