AN MP has described former government minister James Brokenshire as “unstintingly decent” following the news of his death aged 53.

Hove and Portslade MP Peter Kyle paid tribute to the Conservative MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, who died on Thursday evening with his family at his bedside.

In August, Mr Brokenshire confirmed his lung cancer had “progressed” and he was starting a new line of treatment.

Writing on Twitter, Mr Kyle said: “MPs from across the political spectrum will feel the loss of someone who was unstintingly decent in the way he dealt with others, especially those he disagreed with.

“My thoughts are with his family and his many friends.”

A family statement said that Mr Brokenshire’s condition had rapidly deteriorated and that he had been in hospital since Sunday.

The statement said: “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 and 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 and St Thomas’ in London, who cared for James with such warmth, diligence and professionalism over the past three-and-a-half years.”

Conservative Maria Caulfield, MP for Lewes, described Mr Brokenshire as a "colleague and friend."

She wrote: "Such sad news to lose a colleague and a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Cathy and his family. He will be very much missed in Parliament."

Mr Brokenshire resigned as security minister in July after telling Boris Johnson that his recovery from lung cancer surgery in February was taking “longer than expected”.

When his cancer progressed, he said he was “keeping upbeat” over his condition but “needed space to focus on treatment”.

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.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: “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.”

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