FORMER Chancellor Lord Geoffrey Howe has died aged 88 after suffering a suspected heart attack.
The top Tory - who was Margaret Thatcher’s longest serving Cabinet minister - passed away last night after getting home from a jazz concert, his family said.
David Cameron led tributes to Lord Howe, describing him as “a kind, gentle and deeply thoughtful man”.
The PM added: “He loved his politics and never stopped giving strong and sound advice.
A statement issued by his family today said: “It is with deep sadness that the Howe family today announced that Geoffrey Howe died suddenly late yesterday evening, aged 88, at his home in Warwickshire, of a suspected heart attack, after enjoying a local jazz concert with his wife Elspeth.
“There will be a private family funeral, followed by a memorial service in due course. The family would be grateful for privacy at this time.”
Howe was widely known for his devastating resignation speech which is thought to have led to Margaret Thatcher’s downfall as PM.
His scathing announcement from the backbenches in November, 1990 is widely thought to be among the most dramatic speeches made in the House of Commons during the 20th century.
Post a Comment