Former housing secretary dies at the age of 53 

Housing and government figures have paid tribute to former housing secretary James Brokenshire, who died today.

Brokenshire, who served as secretary of state from April 2018 to July 2019, passed away following a long battle with cancer at the age of 53.

During his time in office, he oversaw the removal of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) borrowing cap, which was credited with helping to boost council house building.

Figures from across the housing sector today paid tribute to Brokenshire.

Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation (NHF) said: “Such sad news about James Brokenshire. He was a brilliant secretary of state - intelligent, engaged and collaborative. 

’I’ll remember James for the kindness and support he showed me when I joined the NHF.

“A lovely man and a huge loss. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”

The Home Builders Federation, on twitter, said: “James always showed himself to be a dedicated, decent and thoughtful cabinet minister who was happy to listen to different arguments and engage with everyone. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues”.

Lord Porter, former chair of the Local Government Association, said: “He was without doubt one of the kindest, most thoughtful politicians i have ever worked with. Cathy and the children have lost a loving, caring husband and dad, local government has lost one of its greatest champions.”