Labour MP Jack Dromey died suddenly in his flat in Birmingham on Friday, the shadow minister's family said.

       The father-of-three, who was married to party grandee Harriet Harman, is understood to have died from natural causes.

       The 73-year-old had represented Birmingham Erdington since 2010 and contributed to a Parliament debate as recently as Thursday.

       A statement issued by the Labour Party on behalf of Mr Dromey's family said: "Jack Dromey MP died suddenly this morning aged 73 in his flat in Erdington.

       "He had been a dedicated Member of Parliament for Birmingham Erdington since 2010.

       "He was a much loved husband, father and grandfather, and he will be greatly missed."

       Mr Dromey and Ms Harman's son Joe tweeted: "Our dad - Jack - died suddenly today.

       "We loved him so, so much.

       "Rest in peace big man x."

       He was found by police who had to force their way into the flat.？

       A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "Just before 1.30pm today we responded to a call requesting a welfare check at an address in the Erdington area of Birmingham.

       "Officers forced their way into the home and sadly found the body of a 73-year-old man.

       "The mana€？s next of kin and have been given the sad news and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. His death is not being treated as suspicious."

       Ms Harman, who served as deputy Labour leader between 2007 and 2015, announced last month that she will not run for her Camberwell and Peckham seat in the next general election.

       Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "The proud son of Irish parents, Jack Dromey dedicated his life to standing up for working people through the Labour movement, becoming deputy general secretary of the UK's largest trade union and then a Labour MP.

       "From supporting the strike at the Grunwick film processing laboratory, when he met Harriet, through to being elected to represent Birmingham Erdington in 2010, Jack lived his commitment to social justice every day.

       "Jack was recognised for his determination to stand up for his constituents and he was highly respected and warmly regarded across Parliament.

       "My thoughts and those of the whole Labour movement are with Harriet, their children and all those who knew and loved Jack."

       The Prime Minster Boris Johnson said: "Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Jack Dromey MP.？

       "My thoughts are with Harriet and the family, and all those who knew him as a friend. May he rest in peace."

       Tributes pour in for 'legend' MP

       Liam Byrne, Mr Dromey's Birmingham colleague and MP for Hodge Hill in the city, said: "Stunned and in shock.？

       "It was a privilege of my life to work hand in glove with Jack in the West Midlands for the last decade and he chaired my Mayoral campaign brilliantly.？

       "We've lost a legend. But his legend will live on. In the countless he changed for the better.？

       "Heartbroken."

       Tom Tugendhat, Conservative MP for Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Malling, said: "I am very sorry to learn of the death of Jack Dromey MP.？

       "He was a kind man who served our country well.？

       "My thoughts and prayers are with Harriet Harman and the whole family."

       Diane Abbott has paid tribute to fellow Labour MP Jack Dromey, describing him as "a good man" and "exemplary MP".

       The former shadow home secretary wrote in a tweet: "Very sad to hear about the death of Jack Dromey.

       "He was a good man, an exemplary MP and an incredible supporter of the Grunwick strike in the 1970s."

       Shadow cabinet minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said: "This is devastating news.？

       "I had a lovely chat with Jack before the Christmas break.？

       "He was a kind, wonderful man who always made time for others-a great trade unionist & an outstanding MP. My thoughts and prayers this evening are with Harriet Harman, Joe Dromey, Harry and Amy."

       Lucy Powell, Labour MP for Labour & Co-op MP for Manchester Central and shadow culture secretary, wrote: "Ia€？m so totally floored by this.？

       "Jack was one of the best.？

       "He was a really formidable campaigner - as I saw first hand in the work we did for our Maintained Nurseries - a brilliant constituency MP, promoting manufacturing, and a wonderful, kind, generous colleague.？

       "I will miss him."

       Preet Gill, Labour MP for Birmingham Edgbaston and shadow cabinet minister for International Development, paying tribute to Mr Dromey, said: "I am just really shocked.

       "I am thinking about Harriet (Harman) retiring (at the next election) and Joe - Jack's son, he's a really good friend.

       "With him having grandchildren - that was something Jack had spoken about, spending more time together with them.

       "He's always been a great friend and hugely supportive, but not just me, that's the kind of thing he did.

       "He would always go above and beyond, in his constituency."