Popular former MP for Salisbury dies
Robert Key 'represented the people with dedication, and distinction'
Last updated 6th Feb 2023
Former Salisbury MP Robert Key has died at the age of 77.
He served as the Conservative member for the city from 1983 to 2010.
Before that he was MP for Holborn and St Pancras in London from 1979.
He attended Salisbury Cathedral School as a child, and Sherborne School, before going to Cambridge to study economics.
Robert was granted the rare honour of Freedom of the City from Salisbury City Council in December 2017.
"Rob was the very best of Salisbury"
John Glen, current MP for Salisbury and South Wiltshire, has paid tribute on Twitter:
"Very sad news today to hear of the passing of Robert Key. For 27 years in Parliament he represented the people of Salisbury with dedication, distinction, and a strong ethos of public service.
"Rob was the very best of Salisbury, always thinking of what was in the interest of our city – from his three ministerial roles in government, his position as a member of the General Synod of the Church of England, and his work with Salisbury Cathedral.
"I know many Salisbury residents will sorely miss Rob’s unique contribution to our public life but will always be grateful for the impact he had on all our lives. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sue and their three children at this difficult time."
Salisbury City Council also paid tribute to him on Twitter:
The flag is flying at half-mast at Salisbury Guildhall as a mark of respect.