Lord Higgins, who served Worthing as an MP for more than 30 years and won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, has died aged 97.

Conservative politician Terence Langley Higgins, born on January 18, 1928, also competed in the men's 400 metres at the 1952 Summer Olympics.

His full title was The Rt Hon. the Lord Higgins KBE DL.

Former MPs for Worthing Tim Loughton and Sir Peter Bottomley have ‘expressed their deep sadness’ at the news of the death of their predecessor, Sir Terence Higgins, later Lord Higgins of Worthing.

Lord Higgins, who served Worthing as an MP for more than 30 years and won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, has died aged 97. Photo: UK Parliament official portrait 2017

placeholder image — Lord Higgins, who served Worthing as an MP for more than 30 years and won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, has died aged 97. Photo: UK Parliament official portrait 2017

"Terence Higgins had represented the whole of Worthing for 33 years since first being elected in 1964 and retiring in 1997 before being appointed to the House of Lords,” a joint-statement read.

"Following boundary changes in 1997 Worthing was split into two constituencies with Tim Loughton elected to represent the eastern third along with Adur, whilst Sir Peter Bottomley’s Worthing West constituency took in the town centre, western wards and parts of Arun.”

Mr Loughton said Lord Higgins was a ‘hard act to follow in so many respects’.

"He was closely associated with the town for 33 years before we arrived on the scene and was widely respected locally by political supporters and opponents alike,” the former Member of Parliament for East Worthing & Shoreham said.

"He championed Worthing tirelessly and was proud to take on the town’s name in his title when he joined the House of Lords.

“In Parliament he had a distinguished career as shadow minister, minister and then chair of some of the Commons’ most influential committees, and again earned widespread respect across the political divide.

"He was particularly known for his meticulous grasp of Parliamentary procedure and always a great font of knowledge and sound advice whenever we sought his help. He was particularly kind and generous with his support for me as a new boy when I was first elected to contest the constituency back in 1995, and always available for sage advice.

“Given his distinguished career before politics as an international athlete and Olympian it was always going to be a tall order to live up to his reputation and successes. I have sent my condolences to the family and Lady Rosalyn who was such a great support to him over more than 64 years.

"He will be greatly missed in Worthing and well beyond.”

Sir Bottomley served with Terence Higgins in the Commons before his own previous seat was abolished in the 1997 boundary changes and he came to Worthing West.

He said: “Terence was an example to us all and an exemplar of a dedicated and successful Parliamentarian. Widely admired across the House for his dedication and knowledge he was also kind, highly competent and very industrious. We will all miss him.”