Tributes paid to former Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan who passed away

Tributes have been paid to former Welsh Secretary Dame Cheryl Gillan, who has passed away after a long illness.

She was Secretary of State for Wales in David Cameron’s coalition Government between 2010 and 2012, having been Shadow Secretary for five years in opposition.

Born in Cardiff, she was the Conservative MP for Chesham and Amersham in Buckinghamshire up until her death at the age of 68.

Her father was a former British Army officer and a director of a steel company, her mother was a Wren, and she was brought up on her family farms near Usk. She was educated at Elm Tree House and Norfolk House primary schools in Cardiff before her family left Wales when she was aged 11.

She had also served as chair of the 1922 Committee of Conservative backbench MPs and has represented the seat of Chesham and Amersham as an MP since 1992.

Commenting on the news Rt Hon Dame Cheryl Gillan DBE MP, Welsh Conservative Senedd leader, Andrew RT Davies said: “I’m desperately saddened to hear that Dame Cheryl Gillan MP has passed away.

“Cheryl was a model of public service and was respected across the political spectrum.

“She was incredibly proud of her Welsh roots and served with distinction as Secretary of State.

“Cheryl was a good friend to the Welsh Conservatives and will be sorely missed.

“On behalf of my colleagues, I send our thoughts and condolences to her family and friends at this difficult time.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “I’m very sad to hear the news of the death of Dame Cheryl Gillan. She was 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.”

Amanda Milling MP, co-chairman 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.”

Paying tribute to the former Secretary of State for Wales Cheryl Gillan who has died, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds said: “Cheryl served her constituents and her parliament well and will be fondly remembered by members of all parties for her role in delivering the 2011 referendum on law making powers.

“My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family at this difficult time.”

Her passing will trigger a by-election for the constituency of Chesham and Amersham, but the Buckinghamshire seat is considered to be a safe Conservative seat.