Former Labour cabinet minister Tessa Jowell dies aged 70
Labour veteran Dame Tessa Jowell has died aged 70.
Jowell, who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumour, died late last night after suffering a haemorrhage on Friday.
Tributes have poured in for the former minister from across the political spectrum. Alastair Campbell told Nick Robinson on the BBC's Andrew Marr show that Jowell was "completely dedicated to other people".
He said: "Tessa was a positive life force who never stopped smiling and never stopped being dedicated to other people".
Former prime minister David Cameron tweeted that he was "devastated by the news".
Devastated that Tessa Jowell has passed away after her incredibly brave fight. I had the pleasure to work with her on the London 2012 Olympics – she was not just a dedicated & passionate campaigner, but a wonderful human being. My heartfelt condolences to her family & friends. pic.twitter.com/ih96nl7YuS
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) May 13, 2018
The leader of the Labour party Jeemy Corbyn said her fight to raise awareness of cancer "inspired us all".
Devastating to hear the news of Tessa Jowell's death. From Councillor to Cabinet Minister, her achievements were huge, including helping to bring the Olympics to London. Her strength in raising awareness of her illness and fighting for better treatment for others inspired us all
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) May 13, 2018
Saddest news. Impossible to put in words. But tributes here from her beloved & friends RIP Tessa Jowell https://t.co/qwsAk8RFa1
— Harriet Harman (@HarrietHarman) May 13, 2018
Jowell was elected as MP for Dulwich in the 1992 general election and later became the secretary of state for culture, media and sport.
She has been credited with bringing the 2012 Olympics to London and has also been remembered as strong advocate of Labour's policy of Sure Start centres.
She also ran for the role of London mayor in 2016, which was won by colleague Sadiq Khan.
Khan said in a statement: “Tessa was a friend, a colleague, a champion of Labour values, and a towering figure in London and national politics. Her death is terribly sad news and my thoughts go out to her family.
“Tessas legacy is there to see all around us. She more than anyone made the dream of bringing the Olympics and Paralympics to London a reality, fighting hard around the Cabinet table to make it happen.
“With Sure Start she saw how communities would be better as a result of early intervention and support for families. And even after she was diagnosed with cancer, she typically used it as an opportunity to campaign for improved research and treatment to help other sufferers.
“Her death leaves us with a massive loss and so many of us will miss her enormously.”
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