James Brokenshire: Conservative MP and former minister dies aged 53
Tributes have poured in for James Brokenshire following his death, reports ITV News Political Editor Robert Peston
Former Government minister and Conservative MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup James Brokenshire, who had been suffering from lung cancer, has died aged 53, his family has said in a statement.
Brokenshire was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and stepped back from ministerial duties earlier in 2021 after a recurrence of a tumour in his right lung.
A family statement said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of James Brokenshire MP at the age of 53.
“James died peacefully at Darent Valley Hospital yesterday evening with family members by his bedside. He had been in hospital since Sunday after his condition rapidly deteriorated.
“James was not only a brilliant Government minister as both Security and Immigration Minister at the Home Office and Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office and Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local Government, but a dedicated constituency MP, first for Hornchurch from 2005 to 2010, and then for Old Bexley & Sidcup for the past 11 years.
“But most importantly, he was a loving father to his three children, a devoted husband to Cathy and a faithful friend to so many.
“We would like to thank all the NHS staff, particularly those at Guy’s & St Thomas’ in London, who cared for James with such warmth, diligence and professionalism over the past three-and-a-half years.
“We would also ask that our privacy as a family is respected at this time.”
Brokenshire, who previously worked as a lawyer, was first elected as an MP in 2005 when he won the seat in the former constituency of Hornchurch.
He would go onto become a Home Office minister, following spells as housing and Northern Ireland secretary.
Following his diagnosis, Brokenshire worked to raise awareness of lung cancer.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak wrote on Twitter: “James Brokenshire was a man of public service and the highest integrity. He was a valued friend and colleague and will be deeply missed.
“My thoughts are with his family on this incredibly sad day.”
Prime minister Boris Johnson also expressed his sadness on Twitter. He wrote: "James was the nicest, kindest and most unassuming of politicians but also extraordinarily effective.
"His fight against cancer was heroic, and it is a measure of his resolve that he came back from a first bout with the disease to serve in government again. He will be missed by all who knew him."
Theresa May, the former prime minister and Tory leader, tweeted: “Truly saddened by the death of James Brokenshire.
“He was an outstanding public servant, a talented minister and a loyal friend. My thoughts are with Cathy and his whole family.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer added: "James Brokenshire was a thoroughly decent man, dedicated and effective in all briefs he held. He fought his illness with dignity and bravery. I’m incredibly sad to learn of his death and send my condolences to his wife and children."