Conservative MP James Brokenshire has died aged 53.
The Old Bexley and Sidcup MP who formerly served as Northern Ireland Secretary and as a Home Office minister took leave from his ministerial duties earlier this year after a tumour recurred.
He was initially diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018.
Brokenshire died on Thursday evening with his family at his bedside. He had been in hospital since Sunday.
The Brokenshire family issued a statement via Twitter this morning:
A statement on behalf of the Brokenshire family on the death of James Brokenshire MP pic.twitter.com/sKknyCQ1Ow
— James Brokenshire (@JBrokenshire) October 8, 2021
Mr Brokenshire was born on 8 January 1968 in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. He studied Law at the University of Exeter and subsequently worked at the international law firm Jones Day.
He was first elected to the former constituency of Hornchurch in 2005.
Many of Mr Brokenshire’s colleagues and friends have publicly expressed their condolences at his passing.
Desperately sad to hear the news about James Brokenshire.
James was the nicest, kindest and most unassuming of politicians but also extraordinarily effective.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) October 8, 2021
Devastated to hear the heartbreaking news that James Brokenshire has died, well before his time. He was a hard working and dedicated MP but, more than that, he was a thoroughly decent and lovely man, and devoted to his family. My thoughts and prayers are with them all today.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) October 8, 2021
Sending my deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of James Brokenshire.
He has been taken far too young, a real tragedy. James was unfailingly professional and kind and it was clear that he cared deeply about his work and public service. Rest in peace James.
— Angela Rayner (@AngelaRayner) October 8, 2021
From my decade working in Westminster, James Brokenshire was one of the good guys. Well meaning, hard working and honest.
Thoughts with his family and his close colleagues.
Rest In Peace https://t.co/9l41XVkEy1— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) October 8, 2021
