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Was James Brokenshire A Smoker? Illness and Smoking Habit RevealedJames – The former Northern Ireland secretary who left the Cabinet after being diagnosed with lung cancer, has called for an end to the stigma surrounding the disease.
In his first broadcast interview since surgery to remove a tumour, he confirmed for the first time that he had cancer, and told Sky News he feels lucky to have been diagnosed early.
The Old Bexley and Sidcup MP, a former Northern Ireland secretary, reported a recurrence of a tumour on his right lung earlier this year.
His family called him “a loving father to his three children, a devoted husband” and a “faithful friend”.
Mr. Brokenshire had been in hospital since his condition worsened on Sunday.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted that his colleague, a lifelong non-smoker, had been “heroic” in his “fight against cancer”.
He added: “Desperately sad to hear the news about James Brokenshire. James was the nicest, kindest, and most unassuming of politicians but also extraordinarily effective.”
Mr. Johnson’s predecessor, Theresa May, tweeted: “Truly saddened by the death of James Brokenshire. He was an outstanding public servant, a talented minister, and a loyal friend.”
Mr Brokenshire was first elected to Parliament in 2005 as MP for the former constituency of Hornchurch.
He resigned from the cabinet in 2018 following his diagnosis but later made a comeback to the government.
Chair of the Old Bexley and Sidcup Conservative Association, Evelyn Morrison, who worked with Mr Brokenshire, for 12 years, said: “I’m very devastated. A wonderful, wonderful MP. Lots of integrity. He worked so closely with us.”
In a statement, Mr Brokenshire’s family expressed their “deep sadness”, adding: “James died peacefully at Darent Valley Hospital [in Kent] yesterday evening with family members by his bedside.”
“James was not only a brilliant government minister… but a dedicated constituency MP.
“But most importantly, he was a loving father to his three children, a devoted husband to Cathy and a faithful friend to so many.”
The family also thanked NHS staff, including those at Guy’s & St Thomas’ hospital in London, for treating Mr Brokenshire “with such warmth, diligence and professionalism over the past three-and-a-half years”.
‘Understated’
After his diagnosis, Mr Brokenshire, a former lawyer, worked to promote greater awareness of lung cancer, urging people who showed symptoms to get tested.
Fellow Conservative MP Karen Bradley told the BBC News Channel the news of her “understated” colleague’s death was “heartbreaking”, adding: “I can’t believe I’m not going to be able to sit down with James again and have a laugh about life, and chat about the issues that we both cared about.
“My thoughts are with Cathy and the family, who are just the most wonderful family. I’m devastated.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: “James Brokenshire was a thoroughly decent man, dedicated and effective in all briefs he held.
“He fought his illness with dignity and bravery. I’m incredibly sad to learn of his death and send my condolences to his wife and children.”
Mr Brokenshire served as a Home Office minister from February last year until this July, when he stood back from his duties once more.
Previously, he was housing secretary from April 2018 to July 2019, when Mr Johnson dismissed him after he became prime minister.
Mr Brokenshire served as Northern Ireland Secretary from July 2016 to January 2018, under Mrs May.
His death will prompt a Parliamentary by-election in his Old Bexley and Sidcup seat, where he had a majority of 18,952.
James Brokenshire Smoking Habit Revealed Online
People are anticipating that James has a smoking habit. It’s unbelievable that a person who never smoke was suffering from lung cancer.
A statement on behalf of the Brokenshire family on the death of James Brokenshire MP pic.twitter.com/sKknyCQ1Ow
— James Brokenshire (@JBrokenshire) October 8, 2021
His fans and fellow political members are paying tribute to the departed soul via Twitter and were sharing their deepest condolences to Brokenshire’s family.
One of the Twitter users wrote, “Deeply devastating that Jo Cox has died. A tragic loss of a passionate & dedicated public servant. Heartfelt thoughts with her family”.
James BrokenShire Wife And Children Details
James was blissfully married to his wife Cathrine Anne Mamelok in 1999. They are inseparable until October 2021.
Nevertheless, James was not only an outstanding politician, but also a caring father, supportive colleague, and inspiring husband. He was survived by his wife and three children, two daughters, and a son.
It was all of a sudden he noted blood in his cough and went for a body check-up. The physician told him he has early-stage lung cancer. It might be shocking for him as well. Is it possible to have lung cancer without smoking cigarettes?
