Tory MP pays tribute to wife found dead in woodland
THE wife of Tory MP Owen Paterson was found dead in woodland near the family home yesterday.
The sudden death of Rose Paterson, 63, has come as a “terrible shock” to the family, the MP said.
Her tragic loss came on her husband’s 64th birthday.
West Mercia Police said Mrs Paterson’s death was being treated as “unexplained” but it is not thought any third party was involved.
Her body was found in woodland near Ellesmere, Shropshire, in the early hours of Wednesday morning after a search involving a police helicopter.
The mother of three’s death was an unexpected shock for family and friends.
Mr Paterson, a cabinet minister under David Cameron and Tory MP for North Shropshire, said: “It is with great sadness that I must inform you that my wife Rose has been found dead at our family home.
Missed
“Rose and I were married for 40 happy years. She was a wonderful, caring wife, mother and grandmother. Her death has come as a terrible shock to us all.”
Neighbours said they had seen Mrs Paterson in good spirits on Tuesday lunchtime.
One said: “My mum saw her on her horse about midday. They exchanged hellos, there was nothing remarkable about it.
“Overnight, about 1am, my mother heard the police helicopter overhead.”
West Mercia Police said: “We can confirm the body of a woman has been found in woodland. There is believed to be no third party involvement.”
The couple married in 1980 and had two sons, Ned and Felix, and a daughter, Evie.
Mrs Paterson was the second daughter of Matthew White Ridley, the 4th Viscount Ridley, who died in 2012.
Since 1698, the family’s seat has been the Blagdon Estate in Northumberland where Mrs Paterson grew up.
In March, Mr Paterson revealed they both felt “very groggy” with coronavirus symptoms and spent 15 days in quarantine together but recovered.
A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister heard the news this morning and has written to Owen.
“His thoughts and sympathies are with Owen, his children and his grandchildren at this difficult time.”
Rachel Mottram, 65, a local farmer, said: “It is so sad. She was a lovely lady.
“She used to regularly ride past the farm on her horse and there was always a smile and a greeting.”
Mrs Paterson was also the chair of Aintree Racecourse, Merseyside, and was on the Jockey Club board.
Sandy Dudgeon, senior steward of The Jockey Club, said: “This is tragic news and our thoughts go out to Rose’s husband Owen and her family.
“Rose was a wonderful person and was involved in so many aspects of our sport. She will be missed greatly for the person she was.”
Mrs Paterson was often pictured at the racecourse with dignitaries and racing officials.
Jockeys at Haydock Park Racecourse held a minute’s silence yesterday in respect to her and Grand National-winning rider Liam Treadwell, who died aged 34 this week.