He was a former member of Parliament and a founder member of the Progressive Party. He was also the Officer of the Order of the Disa as well as the recipient of the National Order of the Baobab.He was also South African politician best known for having served as national leader of the opposition from 1977–79 and 1986-87. He represented Sea Point in the South African Parliament from 1958–61 and from 1974-2004.