Dame Cheryl Gillan 'will be sorely missed', the prime minister said
Dame Cheryl Gillan ‘will be sorely missed’, the prime minister said (Picture: PA)

Tory MP and former Welsh Secretary Dame Cheryl Gillan has died aged 68 after a long illness.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Dame Cheryl as a ‘great servant’.

‘I’m very sad to hear the news of the death of Dame Cheryl Gillan,’ he said.

‘She was a great servant to the people of Chesham and Amersham, to the Conservative Party and to the country as secretary of state for Wales.

‘Always full of wise advice and good humour, she was much loved on all sides of the House of Commons and will be sorely missed.

‘My sincere condolences to her family and friends.’

Boris Johnson is hugged by Cheryl Gillan in 2019
Boris Johnson is hugged by Cheryl Gillan in 2019 (Picture: Rex)

Co-chairman of the Conservative Party Amanda Milling said noted anti-HS2 campaigner Dame Cheryl, who had been an MP since 1992, had made a ‘huge contribution to public life’.

‘It was incredibly sad to hear that Dame Cheryl Gillan MP passed away at the weekend,’ said Ms Milling.

‘Cheryl had been ill for some time, but battled her illness with great stoicism and grace.

‘Cheryl was a dedicated parliamentarian for many decades, serving in the Cabinet and she made a huge contribution to public life and our Party.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Cheryl’s family and friends.’

Dame Cheryl found herself centre stage of Tory politics when she was acting joint chair of the influential 1922 Committee of backbench MPs from May to September 2019.

She helped preside over the Tory leadership contest to elect a successor to former prime minister Theresa May – a contest Mr Johnson won.

Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted: ‘The saddest news about the passing of Dame Cheryl Gillan.

‘A remarkable parliamentarian and pioneer for many women in Westminster. A dear and compassionate friend and colleague who was much loved by us all.

‘My sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.’

Tracey Crouch, Conservative MP for Chatham and Aylesford, tweeted: ‘I’m heartbroken to hear the desperately sad news that my colleague Cheryl Gillan has passed away.

‘She had been a great source of strength as we went through chemo together.

‘When she told me she was dying I told her all the nice things I would say so she knew she was an incredibly inspirational woman in politics who fought for the things she believed in.

‘She was always kind and helpful to us newbies. She had oodles of wisdom from her years as an MP which she shared willingly. I shall miss her greatly.’

Labour MP and shadow minister for domestic violence and safeguarding Jess Phillips tweeted: ‘Cheryl was lovely and kind and welcoming. Sending love to her family and friends.

‘Autistic families had a real advocate in Cheryl and we will all work to make sure her work is continued.’

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also tweeted condolences, saying: ‘I worked with Cheryl on a number of issues. She was respected across the House and a great champion for her constituents. My thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.’

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