Tributes pour in following death of 'incredible' Baroness Trumpington
2 min read
Tributes have been paid after former Conservative minister and Bletchley Park codebreaker Baroness Trumpington died at the age of 96.
The Tory life peer and ex-mayor of Cambridge served in the House of Lords for more than three decades, only retiring last year on her 95th birthday.
Baroness Trumpington made headlines in 2011 when footage from the House of Lords showed her making a V-sign at a fellow Tory peer over a perceived rude remark.
Her death was confirmed by her son Adam Barker who said she "passed away this afternoon in her sleep" after a "bloody good innings".
Politicians from across the political spectrum paid tribute to the former minister, who served in Margaret Thatcher's governments as a health and agriculture minister.
International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt said: "Deepest sympathies to all who knew and loved this incredible woman. Socialite, mother, Bletchley Park code breaker, baroness, minister, trailblazer, heroine and an utter joy. Thank you Jean Barker."
Conservative deputy chairman James Cleverly tweeted: "So sad to hear that code breaking, two finger wagging, Baroness Trumpington has passed away. Ma’am, we salute you."
Former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron praised the "admirable, decent and unique" peer, while Labour MP Kevin Brennan called her two-finger salute "the most magnificent political put-down of the many I have ever witnessed".
"RIP and admiration for a remarkable woman from a Labour MP," he said.
As well as holding a number of high-profile political roles, Baroness Trumpington worked in naval intelligence at Bletchley Park during the second world war, where she helped to transcribe messages from German submarines.
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