Dame Cheryl Gillan, Penn’s MP for 29 years, died yesterday after a long battle against cancer. She was 68.
Dame Cheryl, the Conservative MP for Chesham and Amersham constituency, had not personally attended the House of Commons for over a year after a major operation but took part in votes and debates virtually. She recently told friends she had only weeks to live.
Born in Wales, she was Secretary of State for Wales for two years during David Cameron’s government, but was a doughty fighter on local issues, being a leading opponent of the HS2 project. She was also a leading campaigner for autistic charities.
Her husband Jack Leeming died two years ago. The couple had no children.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said she was “full of wise advice and good humour and will be sorely missed.”
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, speaker of the House of Commons, said: “Dame Cheryl was one of the most popular, friendly and kindly people in the House of Commons.”
Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the opposition, said: “She was respected across the House and a great champion for her constituents.”
Her neighbouring MP, Steve Baker (Wycombe including Tylers Green) said : “I will sorely miss my distinguished neighbour.”