The Tory MP was diagnosed with lung cancer two years ago which required surgery to remove the upper lobe of his right lung.
(Picture: AFP/Getty Images)People are paying tribute to Conservative MP James Brokenshire after his death at the age of 53.
The former minister and Old Bexley and Sidcup MP was first diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018. He took leave from his ministerial duties in the Home Office earlier this year after reporting a recurrence of a tumour on his right lung.
In a statement, Brokenshire’s family 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.”
Chair of the Old Bexley and Sidcup Conservative Association, Evelyn Morrison, who worked with Brokenshire for 12 years, said: “I’m very devastated. A wonderful, wonderful MP. Lots of integrity. He worked so closely with us.”
Meanwhile, journalists, public figures and MPs from across the chamber posted messages on Twitter, honouring Brokenshire:
James Brokenshire was quite simply the nicest man in politics. A true gentlemen.
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) October 8, 2021
We will all miss him hugely. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
The news that James Brokenshire has passed away is utterly heartbreaking.
— Nadine Dorries (@NadineDorries) October 8, 2021
A gentle, kind man with three young children - a dedicated public servant, a gentleman. Thoughts are with his lovely Cathy who he adored and his family on this desperately sad day. #RIP James.
My heart goes out to James Brokenshire’s family and friends. It feels desperately unfair that someone who has given so much, and had so much more to give, has been taken too soon.
— Wes Streeting MP (@wesstreeting) October 8, 2021
I’ll never forget the characteristic kindness that he showed me earlier this year. God bless James. https://t.co/dQsPe6L65u
Desperately sad to hear the news about James Brokenshire.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) October 8, 2021
James was the nicest, kindest and most unassuming of politicians but also extraordinarily effective.
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
Such a terrible loss, taken too soon. James Brokenshire was a wonderful friend and colleague - one of the nicest, most decent, kindest people in politics.
— Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) October 8, 2021
All my thoughts are with Cathy and the children.
Sending my deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of James Brokenshire.
— Angela Rayner (@AngelaRayner) October 8, 2021
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.
James Brokenshire was an extremely capable and dedicated public servant who will be sorely missed.
— Nadhim Zahawi (@nadhimzahawi) October 8, 2021
My thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.
Rest In Peace
James Brokenshire was a man of public service and the highest integrity. He was a valued friend and colleague and will be deeply missed.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 8, 2021
My thoughts are with his family on this incredibly sad day.
Very sad news indeed https://t.co/QPy9ESEOtI
— Kay Burley (@KayBurley) October 8, 2021
Really sad news about the death of James Brokenshire. He was a very good minister, but more importantly a really decent man. My condolences to his wife and family.
— David Davis (@DavidDavisMP) October 8, 2021
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.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 8, 2021
Incredibly sad to hear this news. An immensely kind and generous man, James was admired by all who had the privilege to know him and work with him. I know there will be many across NI who will share that sentiment.
— Brandon Lewis (@BrandonLewis) October 8, 2021
My thoughts are with his family. https://t.co/7TjOd9DqfV
Sad to learn James Brokenshire has died. He had been battling illness for a few years since his role as Sec of State in the north
— Chris Hazzard (@ChrisHazzardSF) October 8, 2021
Was always very civil, courteous and professional in his dealings with myself and other Sinn Féin MPs
Thoughts with his wife & young family
This is heartbreaking news. James Brokenshire was, quite simply, one of the good guys. My condolences to his family and friends. https://t.co/1N2twcNAmV
— Julia Hartley-Brewer (@JuliaHB1) October 8, 2021
I am broken-hearted about the death of my friend of 25 years, James Brokenshire. We had all hoped that he would recover. It’s so sad and so unfair. My heart goes out to his lovely family. We will all miss him so very much.
— Dame Eleanor Laing MP (@eleanor4epping) October 8, 2021
James was a warm, courteous, unassuming man who always made time to say hello and ask how things were. There’ll be many people in Westminster and beyond today mourning his loss. https://t.co/r0U63aA1tz
— Chris Mason (@ChrisMasonBBC) October 8, 2021
Brokenshire was first elected to Parliament in 2005 and has served as both housing secretary and Northern Ireland secretary as well as securities minister in the Home Office
Since his diagnosis, Brokenshire had worked to promote greater awareness of lung cancer.
