Rushcliffe MP Ken Clarke’s wife dies after cancer battle

Tributes paid in memory of Nottinghamshire MPs wife Gillian Clarke, who has lost her battle with cancer.

The Prime Minister and fellow MPs of former chancellor Kenneth Clarke, paid their respects to the 75-year-old who has lost his wife Gillian, who was battling cancer.

Gillian Clarke supported her husband through his political career as he held his Rushcliffe seat for 45 years.

Mrs Clarke has died at the age of 74 and was described by Tory MPs as “brilliant” and “wonderful”.

The parents of two met whilst they were students at Cambridge and married in 1964.

Prime Minister David Cameron 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 frontline politics.

Prime Minister David Cameron.

He said: “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.”

Tory MP Robert Jenrick who represents Newark, said: “All our thoughts in Nottinghamshire are with Ken Clarke and his family following the death of the brilliant and much-loved Gillian.”