Harvey Proctor, English politician

Keith Harvey Proctor, born on 16 January 1947, is a British former politician who served as a Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) during a significant period of British political change. His career in the House of Commons spanned eight years, during which he represented two distinct constituencies in Essex.

Proctor first entered Parliament in 1979, representing Basildon until 1983. Following boundary changes, he was then elected to represent Billericay, serving this constituency from 1983 until 1987. As a Member of Parliament, Proctor was tasked with representing his constituents' interests, participating in legislative debates, and contributing to the national policy-making process within the Conservative government of the time.

A key aspect of Proctor's political identity was his membership of the Monday Club. This influential, right-wing pressure group within the Conservative Party, founded in 1961, was known for advocating for traditional conservative values and often took firm stances on issues such as controlled immigration, maintaining national sovereignty, and promoting free-market economic policies. Proctor's association with the Monday Club highlighted his ideological alignment within the broader Conservative movement.

The Legal Scandal and Its Impact on His Parliamentary Career

Keith Proctor's political journey, however, concluded amidst a highly publicized legal scandal that effectively ended his parliamentary career. In 1986, he became embroiled in serious allegations related to sexual misconduct, specifically involving sexual relationships with males who were under 21 years of age.

The core of the scandal involved charges of buggery and indecent assault. The victims were two young men, aged 17 and 18 at the time the incidents occurred. It is important to contextualize these charges within the legal framework of the United Kingdom at that period. While the general age of consent for heterosexual sexual activity in England and Wales was 16, the legal age of consent for homosexual acts between males remained 21 until 1994. This disparity meant that consensual sexual activity between males under 21, even if above 16, was still considered illegal, leading to the charges Proctor faced.

The legal proceedings culminated in Keith Proctor's criminal convictions. Following his trial, he was found guilty of the charges and subsequently sentenced to a term of imprisonment. This conviction not only marked a personal downfall but also immediately terminated his tenure as a Member of Parliament, as individuals serving custodial sentences are legally disqualified from holding parliamentary office. The scandal, therefore, irrevocably ended his public life and political career.

Frequently Asked Questions about Keith Harvey Proctor

Who is Keith Harvey Proctor?
Keith Harvey Proctor is a British former Conservative Member of Parliament, born on 16 January 1947, who served in the House of Commons from 1979 to 1987.
Which constituencies did Keith Proctor represent?
He represented Basildon from 1979 to 1983 and, following boundary changes, Billericay from 1983 to 1987.
What was the Monday Club?
The Monday Club was a significant right-wing pressure group within the British Conservative Party, active from 1961, known for advocating traditional conservative principles, including strong views on immigration and national sovereignty.
What scandal ended Keith Proctor's parliamentary career?
His parliamentary career ended in 1986 following his involvement in a scandal concerning sexual relationships with males under 21, which resulted in criminal convictions for buggery and indecent assault.
What was the legal age of consent for homosexual acts in the UK during the 1980s?
During the 1980s, the legal age of consent for homosexual acts between males in England and Wales was 21, despite the heterosexual age of consent being 16. This legal disparity was a key factor in the charges brought against Proctor.