Wife of former Conservative minister Owen Paterson found dead

In a statement, Mr Paterson said the loss of his wife, Rose, 63, had come as a "terrible shock" to the family.

"It is with great sadness that I must inform you that my wife, Rose, has been found dead at our family home in Shropshire," he said.

"Rose and I were married for 40 happy years. She was a wonderful, caring wife, mother and grandmother.

"Her death has come as a terrible shock to us all. I would ask the media to respect the privacy of myself and my family at this extremely difficult time."

West Mercia Police said in a statement that her death was being treated as "unexplained" although it was not thought that any third party was involved.

Police said her body was discovered in nearby woodland.

"We can confirm the body of a woman has been found in woodland near Pant Lane in Sodylt in Ellesmere," the statement said.

"The death is currently being treated as unexplained however at this stage there is believed to be no third party involvement."

Mrs Paterson, the daughter of the fourth Viscount Ridley, was the chairman of Aintree Racecourse.

The couple married in 1980 and had two sons and a daughter.

Downing Street said that Boris Johnson had offered his condolences to Mr Paterson and his family.

"The PM heard the news this morning and has written to Owen. "His thoughts and every sympathy are with Owen, his children and grandchildren at this difficult time," a spokesman said.