Labour MP Jack Dromey has died, his family has announced.
The 73-year-old shadow minister, the MP for Birmingham Erdington, died suddenly in his flat, a statement issued on behalf of the family said.
The MP, who is married to party grandee Harriet Harman, is understood to have died from natural causes, having contributed to a Parliament debate as recently as Thursday.
The statement reads: “Jack Dromey MP died suddenly this morning aged 73 in his flat in Erdington.
“He had been a dedicated Member of Parliament for Birmingham Erdington since 2010.
“He was a much loved husband, father and grandfather, and he will be greatly missed.”
Mr Dromey and Ms Harman’s son Joe tweeted: “Our dad – Jack – died suddenly today.
“We loved him so, so much.
“Rest in peace big man x.”
Boris Johnson said he is “deeply saddened” by the news of the MP's death.
The Prime Minister wrote in a tweet: “Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Jack Dromey MP.
“My thoughts are with Harriet and the family, and all those who knew him as a friend. May he rest in peace.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “The proud son of Irish parents, Jack Dromey dedicated his life to standing up for working people through the Labour movement, becoming deputy general secretary of the UK’s largest trade union and then a Labour MP.
“From supporting the strike at the Grunwick film processing laboratory, when he met Harriet, through to being elected to represent Birmingham Erdington in 2010, Jack lived his commitment to social justice every day.
“Jack was recognised for his determination to stand up for his constituents and he was highly respected and warmly regarded across Parliament.
“My thoughts and those of the whole Labour movement are with Harriet, their children and all those who knew and loved Jack."
Mr Dromey, who was the deputy general secretary of the Unite union before becoming an MP, joined the Labour frontbench as shadow housing minister in 2010 under then Labour leader Ed Miliband.
Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley and shadow cabinet member, said: “I worked for Jack and then with Jack for a decade, in Birmingham.
“My first thoughts are with Harriet (Harman) and I’ve already sent her a message.
“Jack never, ever, rested trying to get Birmingham to be at the forefront of ministers’ minds – and the country.
“He wasn’t from Birmingham so he didn’t get the same pass that I do, but oh my God he cared about the city and he was like Tigger about it, always saying ‘we’ve got to do this or that’.
“His enthusiasm for Birmingham politics will be irreplaceable and we will miss him terribly.”
Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair remembered him as “hugely likeable” and a “complete stalwart of the Labour and trade union movement”.
The former Labour leader said: “I am absolutely shocked and greatly saddened by the news about Jack. I have known him for almost 40 years.
“He was a complete stalwart of the Labour and trade union movement, who dedicated his life to the service of others whether in his work for his trade union or in later years as a Member of Parliament.
“He was also hugely likeable, a very popular colleague and well respected by all who worked with him. Cherie joins me in sending profound condolences to Harriet and all the family.”
MPs in Greater Manchester have also paid tribute to Mr Dromey.
Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell said: "I’m so totally floored by this. Jack was one of the best.
"He was a really formidable campaigner - as I saw first hand in the work we did for our Maintained Nurseries - a brilliant constituency MP, promoting manufacturing, and a wonderful, kind, generous colleague. I will miss him."
Denton and Reddish MP Andrew Gwynne said: "Devastating news to hear of Jack’s sudden passing. He was a good friend and always supportive of me. It’s a big loss to the House and to the Labour movement. My condolences to Harriet and family x"
Salford MP Barbara Keeley said: "I'm so very sorry to hear this news. Jack was a fine MP and a good colleague. Sending love and sympathy to Harriet and the family."
