Laura Sharman 08 October 2021

Former communities secretary James Brokenshire dies aged 53

Former communities secretary James Brokenshire dies aged 53 image

Tributes have been paid to former communities secretary, James Brokenshire, after he died at the age of 53 from lung cancer.

Mr Brokenshire - who served as secretary of state for housing, communities and local government from 2018 to 2019 - was first diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018 and was forced to step down from Government earlier this year to focus on his treatment.

A statement issued today on behalf of his family said: '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 and Local Government, but 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 his wife Cathy and a faithful friend to many.'

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has paid tribute to the 'nicest, kindest and most unassuming of politicians'.

 

 

Chanceller Rishi Sunak also said he was a man of the 'highest integrity'.

 

Cllr Tim Oliver, chairman of the County Councils Network, said: 'He was kind, thoughtful, and engaging: working closely with the sector to represent our interests within government. On behalf of the County Councils Network’s member councils across the country I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to his family.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

KS2 Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650 - £43,607
KS2 Class Teacher   M1 – M6     £31,650 - £43,607 Full Time, Whole Time Temporary – required from 1st September 2025 until 31st August 2026  The head Bowburn
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Deputy Manager, Children’s Homes Service

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £39,513 - £43,693
The Role We are seeking Deputy Managers who will support the Registered Manager to ensure the delivery of high-quality care. You will work directly wi Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Independent Reviewing Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 14 £48,710 - £52,805 pro rata
Are you a child and family social worker with 5 years of post-qualifying experience looking for the next step of your career?   What is Involved? As a Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650 - £43,607
Class Teacher M1-M6  £31,650 - £43,607 Full time, whole time Temporary – required from 2nd September 2025 until August 2026 The governors of Escomb P Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £3,968 (approx.) £12.45 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner