Labour mp tessa jowell dies at 70 after cancer battle

Dame Tessa's family announced this morning that she suffered a haemorrhage on Friday, after being diagnosed with brain cancer last year .  She had been in a coma until her death on

Saturday.  The former cabinet minister under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown played a major role in securing the 2012 Olympics Games in London when she led the culture department.  In recent

months, she moved fellow peers in the House of Lords to tears as she discussed her condition calling for patients to have better access to experimental treatment, earning a minute-long

standing ovation in the Upper Chamber.  The family spokesman said: "It is with great sadness, and an enormous sense of loss, that we announce the death of Tessa Jowell. "She died

peacefully at the family home near Shipston-on-Stour in Warwickshire last night, shortly after 10pm. "Her husband David and their children Jessie and Matthew were by her side, with

Jessie's husband Finn, Matthew's wife Ella, and David's children from his first marriage." Speaking about the Dame's health condition in her last weeks, the

spokesman added: "In addition to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, in recent months doctors tried innovative new treatments which Tessa gladly embraced, but sadly the tumour recently

progressed very quickly. "The family would like to thank people for the overwhelming support Tessa and they have received since she became ill.  "They have been touched and moved

by the response, in both Houses of Parliament; from members of the public; and other cancer patients and their families around the world." The family will celebrate the life of Dame

Tessa with a memorial service open to all at a date yet to announce, while the funeral will be private.  Former prime minister Tony Blair said: "Tessa had passion, determination and

simple human decency in greater measure than any person I have ever known. "She was an inspiration to work with, and a joy to be near. She was the most wise of counsellors, the most

loyal and supportive of colleagues, and the best of friends. "What she achieved was remarkable. She was the first senior politician fully to understand the importance of public health

and to shift health policy towards prevention of illness and not only cure.  "She brought the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics to London, and ensured their success." House of Commons

Speaker John Bercow said: "Tessa was an indefatigable campaigner who translated care from a word to a deed at every turn. "Passionate, warm and empathetic, she saw the best in

everyone and won respect and affection across the political spectrum." Lord Sebastian Coe, president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and former chairman

of the London organising committee of the Olympic Games, said: "Tessa was not just a close friend, she was a life enhancer. "Her contribution to the Olympic and Paralympic Games

is easily defined - quite simply, without Tessa there would have been no London 2012, and without Tessa they would not have been the success they were." Dame tessa became MP for the

south London Dulwich and West Norwood constituency in 1992 and retained her seat five years later. She joined the cabinet as Culture Secretary in 2001, after holding a series of ministerial

jobs including Employment Minister and Minister for Women.  In 2015 she stepped down from the Commons and was made Baroness Jowell of Brixton.   Prince Charles made her Dame in 2013, during

a ceremony in Buckingham Palace.  Politicians from acorss the House as well as members of the public have shared tributes to Dame Tessa on social media. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote on

Twitter: "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." Labour MP Tracy Brabin wrote on Twitter: "So sad to hear Tessa

Jowell has died. She was an extraordinary politician who's legacy - SureStart and the Olympics to name but two - improved lives for so many around the country. Deepest sympathy to her

friends and family."