Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has paid tribute to the man who helped her win six elections as Finchley MP.

Lady Thatcher described Roy Langstone, her election agent of 20 years standing, as an 'unusual' man who always got results.

Speaking at Avenue House, Finchley, after his funeral on Thursday last week, she said: 'He always reminded me of that song: 'It ain't what you do, it's the way that you do it.

'That's what gets results and that's what got results for our beloved Roy.

'They were great days, it was great working with him and I adored him.'

Lady Thatcher and husband Denis were among more than 100 mourners who packed St Marylebone Crematorium in East End Road, Finchley.

Others included Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Gill Sargeant, former Finchley MP and Barnet councillor John Marshall and Barnet & Camden GLA member, Councillor Brian Coleman. Mr Langstone, whose wife Barbara is a Finchley ward councillor, died at home in Whetstone aged 83 on July 17 after a short illness.

He first arrived in the borough in 1962 to work for Finchley & Friern Barnet Conservative Association.

During a 20-year career he helped plan numerous general, local and European elections for the Conservative Party.

In 1981 he received an MBE for political services.

mnixson@london.newsquest.co.uk