FORMER Prime Minister John Major described Sir Ray Whitney as a friend through good times and bad when he joined a reception to mark his 20 years as Wycombe MP.>

John Major toasts Sir Ray's 20 years as MP

Picture shows John Major and Sir Ray at the anniversary reception at Adams Park

FORMER Prime Minister John Major described Sir Ray Whitney as a friend through good times and bad when he joined a reception to mark his 20 years as Wycombe MP.

Mr Major visited High Wycombe on Thursday for the anniversary event.

He arrived by helicopter to join 200 Conservatives at Adams Park, and shook hands with most of them as well as signing autographs.

Mr Major made tributes to Sir Ray and joked about his ability to speak Mandarin Chinese.

He said: "I wish some of my ministers and back-benchers had spoken Mandarin like Sir Ray. They would have made a lot more sense and done a great deal less damage!"

He said Sir Ray was respected by the party, adding that on some issues he was "hawkish" and on others "tender".

Mr Major added: "Thanks to Ray for all he's done in the Commons. He's been a good friend in good times and bad, and always been honest. If he thinks something is wrong, he says it's wrong."

He concluded: "I propose a toast to a good friend and very good Member of Parliament."

Wycombe Conservative Association presented Sir Ray, 67, and his wife Sheila, with an antique barometer and a cartoon of him on a golf course.

Lady Whitney was given a bouquet by Rose Hynard, three.

In turn Sir Ray presented the association with a watercolour of Mr Major.

A tribute was also paid by former county councillor George Knox, who was a rival for selection as candidate 20 years ago.

Sir Ray said: "My heart is too full to say too much as there are so many old friends here and so many outrageously nice things have been said that I can't try to cap them all or correct them."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.