Tessa Jowell is being treated for brain cancer, family reveals

Former culture secretary Baroness Jowell is being treated for brain cancer, her family revealed on her 70th birthday.

In a message on Twitter, the Labour peer wrote: "Thank you for so much love and support on my birthday.

"More people living longer better lives with cancer is my birthday pledge," she added, alongside a picture of her family.

Ella Mills, Baroness Jowell's daughter-in-law, quoted the post, saying she felt "so inspired by her bravery and fight against cancer".

Baroness Jowell led London's bid to host the 2012 Olympics during her time as culture secretary.

She was appointed to the Order of the British Empire and made a Dame Commander in the Civil Division in the Queen's 2012 Birthday Honours.

Dame Tessa was raised to the peerage in the 2015 Dissolution Honours and took the title Baroness Jowell.

She stood down as MP for Dulwich and West Norwood at the 2015 general election.

Ella, a food blogger known as Deliciously Ella, and Matthew Mills, Baroness Jowell's son, met when they were introduced by Ella's father, former Conservative MP Shaun Woodward.

Mrs Mills' comments and Baroness Jowell's tweet are the first time any of the family have spoken publicly about her illness.

On Instagram, Ella wrote: "The last few months have been some of the hardest of our lives, after Matt's Mum was suddenly diagnosed with brain cancer in May.

"Her bravery, optimism, love and support for others during this process has inspired us both so much, and today, on her 70th birthday, we're all pledging to try and do everything we can to make people's lives with cancer better for longer.

"I'm sure so many of you have had to deal with this process too, and Matt and I will work to find new ways of supporting and enhancing people's lives who have been affected."