Heartbroken colleagues pay tribute to Chesham & Amersham's MP
Dame Cheryl Gillan passed away over the Easter weekend
After the death of a Buckinghamshire MP - tributes have poured in.
Cheryl Gillan passed away over the weekend, after serving Chesham and Amersham for 29 years.
The 68-year-old had been ill for some time and now colleagues, opponents and those she worked with in the community have all come out to pay tribute her.
Baroness (Emma) Pidding CBE, President of Chesham and Amersham Conservative Association, said:
"She was an indefatigable campaigner for many causes, most notably fighting the detrimental impact of HS2 and being a champion on all matters relating to autism. In 2018, in recognition of Cheryl’s accomplishments she was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire.
"Cheryl had been our MP for 29 years. Her record as a constituency MP was exemplary – representing all residents across the political spectrum; no matter was too small for her. She and her late husband Jack who died two years ago made an impressive team. Our Association and this constituency were well served by them both.
"Our thoughts are with Dame Cheryl’s Parliamentary and constituency staff – Mary, Mel, Lorraine, Linda and Christine – who supported Cheryl with loyalty and dedication.
"We send our deepest sympathies to Cheryl’s family in their time of grief. We hope they find comfort in the knowledge that Cheryl has been reunited with her beloved late husband Jack, who was so greatly missed by Cheryl and is still missed by us all.
"Cheryl will be remembered with considerable fondness and will be greatly missed. Cheryl leaves huge shoes to fill."
Former Prime Ministers have had their say:
Aylesbury's former MP David Lidington also paid tribute, saying on Twitter:
"So sad to learn of death of Cheryl Gillan. My constituency neighbour & friend for almost 28 yrs - & I couldn't have had better.
"A formidable champion for Chesham & Amersham and for Buckinghamshire. She will be hugely missed. RIP."
Lots of others have shared their sadness at losing Cheryl:
Cheryl was a passionate campaigner against HS2, which will cut through much of the Chesham & Amersham constituency.
Joe Rukin, from Stop HS2, paid his own tribute with this clip from 2012:
She also campaigned on a number of issues across Parliament and has been remembered by those she worked with.