James Brokenshire, who was housing secretary under Theresa May, has died aged 53.
The Conservative MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup held the position of secretary of state for housing, communities and local government from 30 April 2018 to 24 July 2019, during which time he discovered he had early-stage lung cancer.
David Orr, chair of Clarion’s housing association arm and former chief executive of the National Housing Federation, was among the industry figures paying tribute. Orr said very few ministers were “so obviously decent and caring”.
He added: “What a loss to a parliament which surely needs people of such integrity, and of course to his family.”
Richard Croft, executive chairman of M7 Real Estate, said Brokenshire “came across as a very good man”, adding that he was well regarded “by all in these most partisan of times”, which was a “very special achievement”.
Nick Walkley, principal and president of UK strategic advisory at Avison Young and former Homes England boss, said Brokenshire was a “thoughtful, fair, principled politician and a funny, self-effacing man”.
Former prime minister Theresa May described Brokenshire as an “outstanding public servant, a talented minister and a loyal friend”.
Brokenshire is survived by his wife and three children.
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