Former Home Office Minister James Brokenshire Announces "Unwelcome News" That His Cancer Has Progressed
Brokenshire said on Twitter he and his family "now need space to focus on treatment" (Twitter/@JBrokenshire)
2 min read
James Brokenshire — who recently stepped down from his role as Home Office minister earlier this year to receive treatment for lung cancer — has said that his disease has progressed.
Brokenshire, the Conservative MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson in July to say his he was resigning as a security minister because his recovery was taking longer than anticipated.
Writing on Twitter on Tuesday, the Tory MP announced the "unwelcome news" that his cancer had progressed, but said he was "keeping upbeat".
He thanked the team at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital in London for their support throughout his treatment.
"Cathy & the kids have been amazing & appreciate all the kind messages. Now need space to focus on treatment," he wrote.
Boris Johnson responded to the news on Twitter, writing: "So sorry to hear James. Our thoughts are with you and your family, and we hope you recover soon."
Numerous current and former MPs have also sent their best wishes to Brokenshire following the news, including Labour MP Abena Oppong-Asare and Tory MP Jacob Young.
Tributes have also been sent by former home secretary Amber Rudd and vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi.
Responding to his letter in July, Boris Johnson said he was "very sorry" that Brokenshire was resigning but fully supported his decision to focus on his health.
"I understand entirely your need to step down from your role but look forward to welcoming you back as soon as possible," the Prime Minister wrote.
Brokenshire, who has previously served as Northern Ireland Secretary and Communities Secretary, was first diagnosed with lung cancer three years ago and had surgery to remove a lesion from his right lung.
In January he said he was taking leave to have further surgery because "frustratingly" he had suffered a reoccurence of the tumour.
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