Sir Peter Kirk served as the first Leader of the Conservative Delegation to the European Parliament, having previously held junior ministerial office under the Douglas-Home and Heath governments. As his term of office predated the direct election of MEPs, he also remained an MP for the duration of his tenure, representing the seat of Saffron Walden. In addition to leading the Conservative Delegation, he also served as Chairman of the European Conservative Group in the European Parliament, which the Conservatives dominated. Kirk held both positions until his unexpected death in 1977 at the age of 48.