Boris leads tributes as ex-minister Cheryl Gillan dies aged 68

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Boris Johnson led tributes to former Tory minister Dame Cheryl Gillan today after her death at the age of 68.

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The former Secretary of State for Wales, who was the MP for Chesham and Amersham for almost 30 years, passed away at the weekend following a long illness.

A minister between 2010 and 2012 under David Cameron, she was notable as the temporary co-chair of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers in 2019 when Boris Johnson was elected party leader and became Prime Minister. 

She was centre-stage during the leadership election, overseeing the voting process and announcing the MPs who had gone through each round.

Mr Johnson today tweeted that Dame Cheryl had been ‘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,’ he said.

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The former Secretary of State for Wales, who was the MP for Chesham and Amersham for almost 30 years, passed away following a long illness.

© Provided by Daily Mail
A minister between 2010 and 2012 under David Cameron, she was notable as the temporary co-chair of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers in 2019 (pictured) when Boris Johnson was elected party leader and became Prime Minister.

Amanda Milling, the co-chairwoman of the Conservative Party, said: ‘It was incredibly sad to hear that Dame Cheryl Gillan MP passed away at the weekend.

‘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.’

Trade Secretary and Conservative MP Liz Truss tweeted: ‘Very sorry to hear the sad news about Dame Cheryl Gillan.

‘She was a brilliant Parliamentarian, a kind colleague and great fun. We will miss her. All my thoughts with her family and loved ones.’

The runner-up in the 2019 leadership contest, former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, joined in paying tribute to the ex-marketing executive.

‘So sad to hear we have lost Cheryl Gillan, one of the warmest and most generous hearted people in the House of Commons,’ said the chairman of the Commons Health Committee.

‘She was a formidable campaigner for autistic people but also the definition of British stoical good humour – an enormous credit to her party and to Parliament.’

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