PETER Clarke, widower of south Essex MP Teresa Gorman, has died at his Orsett home, at the age of 69.

Mr Clarke, a columnist for Private Eye magazine and the Scotsman newspaper. was the second husband of Mrs Gorman, who was MP for Billericay from 1987 to 2001.

Mr Clarke, a Eurosceptic opposed Brussels, celebrated last year’s Referendum result.

Mr Clarke, a politician, journalist, and wildlife activist, cared devotedly for his wife during a final period of dementia.

He was a close friend and speechwriter for Enoch Powell MP. The couple entertained a wide range of politicians at their home in Orsett.

Mr Clarke campaigned to reintroduce animals such as wolves, beavers and lynx to the British countryside.

His body will return to his native Scotland for a private cremation service on Thursday.