Former Tory MP and security minister James Brokenshire dies aged 53
Former security minister James Brokenshire died at the age of 53 on Thursday evening after a three-year long battle with lung cancer.
The prime minister Boris Johnson and former leader Theresa May both issued their condolences on Twitter.
His family said in a statement today: “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.”
Brokenshire stepped down from his position in July after he said his recovery was “taking longer than anticipated”.
In late August, the ex-Cabinet minister tweeted that his cancer had “regrettably” progressed but that he was starting a new line of treatment. “Unwelcome news but keeping upbeat.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote on Twitter at the time: “So sorry to hear James. Our thoughts are with you and your family, and we hope you recover soon.”
And Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer added: “This is very sad news James but glad to hear you’re in good hands. Wishing you a speedy recovery and my thoughts with you and your family.”
Brokenshire was first diagnosed in 2018 after he coughed up a spot of blood during an event at Hillsborough Castle as Northern Ireland secretary. And had part of his right lung removed in the February in a bid to tackle the disease.
He leaves his wife and three children.