The Conservative MP and former Cabinet minister James Brokenshire has died at the age of 53 after suffering from lung cancer.

       The MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup entered hospital on Sunday after his condition deteriorated and he passed away "peacefully" on Thursday evening.

       Mr Brokenshire, who was diagnosed in 2017, disclosed in July that his recovery from illness was taking longer than anticipated.

       The married father of three announced he was stepping back from his frontbench role as security minister in order to focus on his health as he received a new line of treatment. He had previously served as housing secretary and Northern Ireland secretary.

       Boris Johnson led tributes to the parliamentarian on Friday morning, describing Mr Brokenshire as the "nicest, kindest and most unassuming of politicians".

       "He served with particular distinction in the Home Office and as Security Minister. If the Government needed something done well and speedily - and sensibly explained - James was the man to do it," the Prime Minister said.

       "I worked with him for many years in London and I know how much he cared for the interests of his Bexley constituents.

       "His fight against cancer was heroic, and it is a measure of his resolve that he came back from a first bout with the disease to serve in government again. He will be missed by all who knew him."

       Mr Brokenshire’s family released a statement on Friday morning, saying: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of James Brokenshire MP at the age of 53.

       "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 & 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 & St Thomas' in London, who cared for James with such warmth, diligence and professionalism over the past three-and-a-half years.

       "We would also ask that our privacy as a family is respected at this time."

       'Man of public service and the highest integrity'

       Cabinet members weighed in to pay tribute to Mr Brokenshire. Chancellor Rishi Sunak described him as a "man of public service and the highest integrity".

       He tweeted: "He was a valued friend and colleague and will be deeply missed. My thoughts are with his family on this incredibly sad day."

       Brandon Lewis, who succeeded Mr Brokenshire as Northern Ireland Secretary, said: "Incredibly sad to hear this news.

       "An immensely kind and generous man, James was admired by all who had the privilege to know him and work with him. I know there will be many across NI who will share that sentiment. My thoughts are with his family."

       Transport Secretary Grant Shapps branded him "the nicest man in politics" and a "true gentleman", while Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said he was "an extremely capable and dedicated public servant who will be sorely missed".

       Theresa May, the former Prime Minister, said he was an "outstanding public servant, a talented minister and a loyal friend", while David Cameron described him as a "thoroughly decent and lovely man".

       Dame Eleanor Laing, Deputy Speaker of the Commons, said she was "broken-hearted about the death of my friend of 25 years".

       She tweeted: "We had all hoped that he would recover. It’s so sad and so unfair. My heart goes out to his lovely family. We will all miss him so very much."

       'He fought his illness with dignity and bravery'

       David Davis, the former Brexit secretary, added: "Really sad news about the death of James Brokenshire. He was a very good minister, but more importantly a really decent man. My condolences to his wife and family."

       Labour politicians also expressed their sadness at his death and offered their condolences to the late minister’s family and friends.

       Party leader Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Brokenshire was "a thoroughly decent man, dedicated and effective in all briefs he held", adding: "He fought his illness with dignity and bravery. I’m incredibly sad to learn of his death."

       Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner said the Tory MP had been "unfailingly professional and kind", adding: "It was clear that he cared deeply about his work and public service. Rest in peace James."