'Ken's Rock': PM Leads Tributes To Gillian Clarke

The Prime Minister has led tributes to Kenneth Clarke's wife Gillian, who has died after a battle against cancer, describing her as the Tory veteran's "rock".

Mrs Clarke died on Thursday night after being ill since before the election and several stays in hospital in recent years.

A well-known and popular figure on the political scene, she was 75.

Mr Cameron, who brought Mr Clarke back into frontline politics to serve in his Cabinet, said: "Samantha joins me in sending our heartfelt condolences to Ken and his family on hearing this incredibly sad news.

"I know that Gillian was Ken's rock, supporting him through his many years of front line politics.

"They were always there for each other through thick and thin, so it is with enormous sadness that we think of Ken and his family today.

"We're holding them all in our thoughts and prayers."

Robert Jenrick, Tory MP for Newark, which neighbours Mr Clarke's Rushcliffe constituency, tweeted: "All our thoughts in Nottinghamshire are with Ken Clarke and his family following the death of the brilliant and much loved Gillian."

Solicitor General Robert Buckland said: "Very sad to hear about the death of the wonderful Gillian Clarke - my thoughts are with Ken and his family."

The Clarkes had been married for 51 years, after meeting as students at Cambridge University in the early 1960s.

She was a highly acclaimed scholar in medieval history.

MPs noticed on Wednesday that Mr Clarke, who was Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1993-97 among his many Cabinet posts, was not in his place in the Commons on Budget day.

It is thought he had travelled to Nottingham to be with his wife.

Until her illness, Gillian Clarke was a familiar sight at party conferences and other big political and parliamentary events when he was a senior Cabinet minister.

During Mr Clarke's time as an MP and minister she also worked tirelessly for various charities, including helping prisoners and ex-prisoners.