K Harvey Proctor was MP for Basildon from 1979 to 1983 and for Billericay from 1983 to 1987.
Last week marked 19 years since Sir Edward Heath died. He was Prime Minister from 1970-74 and leader of the Conservative Party from 1965-75. Our political and personal differences were profound, yet I remember him as a dedicated public servant whose career was marked by significant achievements and, regrettably, by unjust tarnishing in his later years.
Heath and I clashed on numerous issues. We were at odds over immigration policies from the New Commonwealth and Pakistan, and his unwavering support for entry into the European Union contrasted sharply with my views. His corporate statist approach to the economy was another point of contention. Our deepest rift, however, stemmed from his dismissal of Enoch Powell, my political hero, after Powell’s controversial “Rivers of Blood” speech. Powell was an intellectual giant, towering over Heath in both vision and eloquence.
Our interactions were infrequent but telling. As a student, I first met him at a York Conservative meeting in 1966. His handshake left an impression—clammy and weak, much like how I perceived his politics. Our paths crossed again in 1972 at the Conservative Party Conference. I had been selected to propose a motion on immigration, but I deferred to Enoch Powell, who articulated our stance with unmatched rigour. We won the debate, and Heath never forgave me for it.
In 1974, in one of his final acts as Prime Minister, Heath removed me from the Conservative candidates list. It was Margaret Thatcher who later reinstated me. During my tenure as a Member of Parliament, Heath and I never exchanged a word. Our encounters were marked by his disdainful gestures, lifting his nose and eyes high in a show of superiority.
Years later, I could not have imagined being accused of heinous crimes alongside Heath. The false accusations from Carl Beech, alleging abuse and murder, were baseless and absurd. Beech’s failure to recognise the animosity between Heath and me was evident, and the Metropolitan Police’s bungling of the investigation compounded the injustice. They neglected to verify our relationship with contemporaries, showcasing ignorance and incompetence.
Defending Heath’s reputation was a matter of principle. Despite our stark differences, no one deserves to have their legacy destroyed by lies and unfounded allegations. Heath’s life was under constant scrutiny, with security measures befitting a former Prime Minister during the IRA’s assaults on London. The notion that such crimes could occur unnoticed was ludicrous.
Today, my thoughts are with Heath’s loved ones. He was a distinguished and dedicated public servant whose legacy should not have been marred by deceit and misconduct. Remembering him, I reflect on the complex interplay of politics and personal animosities and the enduring need for truth and justice in preserving the integrity of our public figures.
In remembering Sir Edward Heath, we honour a complex legacy, recognising his contributions while acknowledging our deep differences. His dedication to public service remains an indelible part of our political history, deserving of respect and fairness.
