James Brokenshire, the ‘nicest man in politics’, dies of lung cancer at 53
BORIS JOHNSON has led tributes to James Brokenshire as the “nicest” man in politics, after the former Cabinet minister’s death at the age of 53.
The Tory MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup died “peacefully” in hospital while surrounded by family on Thursday evening after battling lung cancer.
The married father of three, who was not a smoker, was first diagnosed in 2017 and disclosed in July that his recovery was taking longer than anticipated.
He announced he was stepping back from his front-bench role as security minister to focus on his health as he received a new line of treatment. He had previously served as housing secretary and Northern Ireland secretary.
The flags in New Palace Yard in the Palace of Westminster were lowered to half mast and formal tributes are expected in the House when Parliament returns from recess on Oct 18. The Prime Minister described the MP as the “nicest, kindest and most unassuming of politicians”, noting that he had “served with particular distinction” in the Home Office. “If the Government needed something done well and speedily – and sensibly explained – James was the man to do it,” Mr Johnson said.
The MP’S family released a statement yesterday morning announcing his death “with deep sadness”. They said: “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.”
His family described him as a “brilliant” minister and a “dedicated” constituency MP, first for Hornchurch from 2005 to 2010 and then for Old Bexley and 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,” the statement said.
“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.”
Two former prime ministers paid their respects, with David Cameron describing Mr Brokenshire as a “hardworking and dedicated MP” and “a thoroughly decent and lovely man”.
Theresa May called him “an outstanding public servant, a talented minister and a loyal friend”.
On behalf of Whitehall, Simon Case, the Cabinet Secretary, said he was “a man of deep kindness and integrity” who “inspired respect and loyalty from the civil servants who worked for him”.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said Mr Brokenshire’s “courage and faith were an inspiration to so many, myself included”.
Mr Brokenshire said much stigma surrounded lung cancer, with many people incorrectly believing it is caused only by smoking, and backed calls for a national screening programme for the illness.