CONSERVATIVE Party grandee and former Chancellor Ken Clarke is coming to Tunbridge Wells on Thursday, November 13, at the invitation of local MP Archie Norman.

Mr Clarke, who says he will not be challenging Michael Howard for the Tory leadership, will be meeting business people before speaking at a dinner at a local hotel.

Mr Norman said: "Ken is a larger than life and colourful character. After a highly successful career as a barrister he came into Parliament in 1970.

"He served in both the Thatcher and Major governments as Minister for Transport, Paymaster General and as Health Secretary. From 1993-1997 he was Chancellor of the Exchequer.

"Following the defeat of the Conservative Goverment in 1997, Ken put his name forward in the contest for leadership of the party. He did so again in 2001 but has decided not to a third time."

Mr Norman added: "Ken is the kind of politician who will not shy away from what he believes in. Someone told me once that he will cross a road in order to get into a fight.

"However, we too in Tunbridge Wells do not mince our words and I know that he will get a friendly and robust welcome. We are very much looking foward to his visit."