Ex-Cabinet minister Lord Walker dies

Peter Walker first entered government in the 1960s and went on to serve in the cabinets of Edward Heath and Margaret Thatcher.

He was best known as Energy Secretary during the miners' strike of the 1980s. Lord Walker's family said in a statement: "Peter Walker passed away quietly on Wednesday morning after a long struggle with cancer.

"His whole family were able to be with him in his last days. He will be hugely missed by his wife Tessa, five children and five grandchildren.

"As a politician, he always believed in the importance of helping those most in need, combining efficiency with compassion. He was a true one-nation Conservative and a patriot. His great personal compassion was always reflected in his private life."

The statement added: "Having dedicated so much of his life to serving Worcester, it was appropriate that he was able to spend his last days there.

"As a passionate supporter of the hospice movement, who for many years championed the cause of palliative care in Parliament, he would have been proud of the care that was provided for him at St Richard's Hospice."

Lord Walker's son, Robin Walker, was elected as the Tory MP for Worcester – the same seat held by his father – on May 6. Lord Walker was made a life peer in 1992.

He was succeeded as MP for Worcester by Defence Minister Peter Luff – then his researcher – in 1992.