A former daily newspaper columnist and speechwriter for controversial MP Enoch Powell has died aged 69.

Peter Clarke wrote for the Edinburgh-based Scotsman as well as for Private Eye magazine.

Peter was married to Teresa Gorman, the Conservative MP for Billericay between 1987 and 2001, who died in 2015.

He died last month at his home in Orsett, Essex.

An obituary in Basildon-based daily The Echo reads: “Mr Clarke, a Eurosceptic opposed Brussels, celebrated last year’s Referendum result.  He was a close friend and speechwriter for Enoch Powell MP.

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

Peter also campaigned to reintroduce animals such as wolves, beavers and lynx to the British countryside.

His body was returned to his native Scotland for a private cremation service.